Current:Home > reviewsFather accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more -Elevate Profit Vision
Father accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more
View
Date:2025-04-17 18:08:03
A Florida man who police said shot three women last week at a home, killing one after allegedly admitting he wanted "a romantic relationship" with his own daughter, was indicted Thursday on multiple charges including first-degree murder.
Michael Banks, 42, is also accused of opening fire on police when they responded to the Jan. 17 triple shooting at a home about 8 miles north of downtown Tampa, the Tampa Police Department reported.
According to information from police and a six-page indictment filed Thursday, police were called to Banks' home for a report of a shooting and found his mother and 17-year-old daughter outside the home shot, asking for help.
Shortly after, police wrote in a news release, Banks allegedly opened fire on officers, "forcing them to return fire."
Although no gunfire struck the suspect, he was taken into custody after surrendering at the scene soon after, police said.
Banks' attorney, Maria Dunker, declined to comment on the case Thursday.
Georgia toddler dies:3-year-old dies after mother keeps her kids in freezing woods overnight, police say
Fatal shooting victim identified in court papers as Josephine Muentus
Hillsborough County Circuit Court papers identified the fatal shooting victim as 52-year-old Josephine Muentus.
USA TODAY is not naming the surviving shooting victims. No officers or civilians were injured in the shootout, police said.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who is deceased and those injured in today’s tragedy,” police Chief Lee Bercaw released in a statement after the triple shooting.
'Leaving with the daughter'
Before the shooting, Banks reportedly wrote a letter to his teenage daughter saying she should "enter into a relationship with him and not date anyone else,” according to court documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times and WFLA-TV.
Banks’ mother, age 60, said she and Muentes were discussing "forcing Banks to move out of the home" because he “was pursuing a romantic relationship with his daughter,” the outlets reported.
After the discussion, the Times reported, Banks' mother said she "heard a gunshot, turned around and saw Muentes fall to the floor as Banks stood over her holding his gun."
The woman said Banks then "shot at her, grazing her head, and she ran out of the house."
The documents, according the outlet, go onto show Banks' daughter was in the shower when she heard the gunfire, and Banks shot her in the leg as she ran out of the home.
Jailed without bond pending arraignment
Banks is charged with first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to his indictment, Banks was previously convicted of aggravated battery on a pregnant female on June 22, 2007, in Hillsborough County Circuit Court and was forbidden to possess a firearm.
He remained jailed without bond on Thursday, online records show.
Court records show Banks is set to be arraigned on the charges on Feb. 6.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (2)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- NCAA softball tournament bracket: Texas gets top seed; Oklahoma seeks 4th straight title
- Flash floods in northern Afghanistan sweep away livelihoods, leaving hundreds dead and missing
- Pioneering Financial Innovation: Wilbur Clark and the Ascendance of the FB Finance Institute
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Boater fatally strikes girl water-skiing in South Florida, flees scene, officials say
- Roaring Kitty is back and so are meme stocks, GameStop and AMC surge at the opening bell
- Jessica Biel Celebrates “Heavenly” Mother’s Day With Sizzling Bikini Photo
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Saying goodbye to Young Sheldon
Ranking
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Did Taylor Swift Reveal Name of BFF Blake Lively's 4th Baby? Ryan Reynolds Says...
- Flash floods in northern Afghanistan sweep away livelihoods, leaving hundreds dead and missing
- Sean 'Diddy' Combs asks judge to reject lawsuit alleging rape of 17-year-old girl in 2003
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Israeli settlers attacked this West Bank village in a spasm of violence after a boy’s death
- Nelly Korda's historic LPGA winning streak comes to an end at Cognizant Founders Cup
- Boater fatally strikes girl water-skiing in South Florida, flees scene, officials say
Recommendation
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
These Amazon Beauty Deals Will Have You Glowing All Summer Long: Goop, CeraVe, Rinna Beauty & More
LENCOIN Trading Center: Leading the Future Direction of the Cryptocurrency Market
The Integration of DAF Token with the Financial Sector
Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
Controlled demolition at Baltimore bridge collapse site on track
Everlane’s Latest Capsule Collection Delivers Timeless Classics That Are Chic, Stylish & Vacation-Ready
A police chase ends with cruisers crashing, officers injured and the pursued vehicle getting away