A 42-year-old man is under arrest suspected of murdering a lady, wounding two family members, and firing at police after allegedly being booted out of his house for seeking a “romantic relationship” with his own teen daughter.
According to a Tampa Police Department press release, police responded to a complaint of a gunshot inside a residence in the 10000 block of 23rd Street on Wednesday, Jan. 17, about 12:40 p.m. Police went to the site and saw two ladies exiting the apartment after reportedly being shot by Michael Banks.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the suspect’s mother and daughter were among the victims who left the scene.
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Shortly after, Banks began shooting at police officers. Officers returned fire but did not strike the suspect, and no one was injured in the confrontation. Banks finally surrendered and was placed in jail.
Officers reported finding 52-year-old Josephine Muentes in the kitchen with a fatal gunshot wound to her head, as well as a muzzleloader on the table.
According to court records obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, Banks’ mother told police that she and Muentes discussed pushing Banks out of the house because he “was pursuing a romantic relationship” with his own 17-year-old daughter.
Banks’ mother allegedly informed authorities that she heard a gunshot immediately after speaking with Muentes. She claims she saw her companion slump to the ground while Banks stood over Muentes with his gun. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Banks’ mother said her son then shot at her, prompting her to flee the house.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Banks’ daughter was in the shower at the time of the shooting, hearing the gunfire, and attempted to keep the bathroom door closed. Banks allegedly fired through it “at approximately head level.” The suspect’s daughter escaped, and Banks reportedly shot her in the leg as she fled from the house.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, in an interview with police, Banks stated that he grew agitated after hearing his mother and Muentes discuss leaving with his teen daughter. Banks allegedly told police that he wrote a letter to his daughter “insisting that she enter into a relationship with him and not date anyone else.”
Banks, enraged by his mother’s talk, allegedly rushed to his room, retrieved his pistol, and walked to the kitchen, shooting Muentes in the head. He allegedly attempted to kill his mother, aiming for her head and upper chest.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Banks revealed to authorities that he shot his daughter through the bathroom door before shooting her in the leg.
Banks allegedly reloaded his handgun and exited the house through the back door, where he heard officers screaming before the shooting began.
Banks was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail and is being detained without bond on accusations of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, and a felon in possession of firearms.