Man Arrested in Tampa Shooting Spree Allegedly Pursued Romantic Relationship with Daughter

Following his arrest, Michael Banks allegedly told police about the letter, authorities say

A man in Tampa, Florida, is facing charges after allegedly going on a shooting spree that resulted in the death of his mother’s friend and injuries to his mother and teenage daughter. The disturbing incident took place last Wednesday.

According to court documents filed by prosecutors, the suspect, 42-year-old Michael Banks, allegedly wrote a letter to his 17-year-old daughter expressing his desire to engage in a romantic relationship with her. The letter was discovered after his arrest, providing further evidence of his disturbing intentions.

The letter was allegedly written in an attempt to manipulate his daughter into entering a relationship with him while discouraging her from dating anyone else. The shocking details of the letter were revealed in court documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, local Fox affiliate WTVT, and local NBC affiliate WFLA.

Prior to the shooting, prosecutors claim that Banks’ mother and her friend were discussing evicting him from the family home after discovering his inappropriate pursuit of a romantic relationship with his own daughter. This revelation reportedly caused Banks to feel betrayed and upset.

According to the Tampa Bay Times and WFLA, Banks retrieved a revolver and proceeded to the kitchen where he fatally shot his mother’s friend and injured his mother. He then targeted his daughter, who was in the shower, firing a bullet that grazed his mother’s head before shooting at his daughter through the bathroom door.

The teenage girl, fearing for her life, tried to keep the bathroom door closed as Banks continued to shoot at her. Unfortunately, she sustained a gunshot wound to her leg as she managed to escape from the home. Banks allegedly reloaded the revolver before fleeing through the back door.

His mother immediately contacted the authorities, informing them that Banks had shot at her and her friend. When the police arrived at the scene, they found Banks’ mother and daughter outside the house with gunshot wounds.

Upon their arrival, Banks allegedly opened fire on the officers with the reloaded revolver. In response, the police returned fire, but no shots struck the suspect. Eventually, Banks surrendered and was taken into police custody. Josephine Muentes, aged 52, who was Banks’ mother’s friend, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Banks now faces several charges, including first-degree murder with a firearm, attempted first-degree murder with a firearm (two counts), attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm, and illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. It remains unclear whether he has entered a plea or retained legal representation.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Banks has a history of violent crimes, including a conviction for aggravated battery on a pregnant female in 2007. He is currently being held without bond at the Hillsborough County jail.

The shocking nature of this crime highlights the urgent need for awareness and action in cases involving sexual abuse. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, please text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected with a certified crisis counselor.

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Original article: People.