A 21-year-old man in Delta Township, Michigan, has been accused of hitting a family-of-three with his car and shooting them, killing a 3-year-old girl in the process.
The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that the family was taking a walk on February 13 when they were struck by the car, whose driver then got out and started to shoot at the family.
A 72-year-old bystander attempted to help the family during the shooting, and they were reportedly attacked and seriously injured as well, investigators confirmed.
“When deputies arrived, they located four victims and immediately began life-saving efforts while simultaneously searching for the suspect,” police said in the press release.
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Authorities confirmed that a 37-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman have been hospitalized — though they are expected to survive their injuries. Meanwhile, the 72-year-old woman is listed in critical condition.
“Tragically, a young child was pronounced deceased at the scene,” authorities added of the 3-year-old.
Soon after the attack, the suspected gunman was identified as Alexander Lamar Banks, Jr. He was tracked down by the Sheriff’s Office and was taken into custody with the help of the Michigan State Police.
Banks has been charged with premeditated murder, three counts of assault with intent to murder and several other firearms charges.
He was denied bond during an arraignment hearing on Tuesday, February 17. Additionally, Banks has been ordered to undergo a competency evaluation.
“Alex has stood mute which means he has pled not guilty,” William Amadeo, who is representing Banks, told People following the hearing. “At the arraignment, I filed a motion for a competency to stand trial. Our defense will be that Alex is mentally incompetent.”
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If Banks is found guilty of the charges, he could potentially be sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison.
The bystander who attempted to help the family has since been identified as a woman named Barb.
“As many of you know, our dear friend Barb was the victim of a horrific assault that occurred outside her house in Delta Township on Friday, 2/13, around 5:30pm. When she heard someone in trouble, she ran outside to help without any thought or regard for her own safety,” a friend explained in a GoFundMe page. “A tragic scene was unfolding across the street, and she ran directly into the danger and saved two lives by distracting the gunman and taking his attention away from the family he was shooting at.”
Barb experienced “severe trauma to her head and face, including bleeding in her brain.”
She underwent “lifesaving” emergency brain surgery but has not yet regained consciousness. “We are waiting and praying so hard for her to wake up. She remains in critical condition,” the post continued.
“Barb’s bravery and selflessness exemplify the very best of humankind. Her warmth, kindness, and enduring spirit have touched countless lives in our community,” the post stated.
The post concluded with the friend explaining that she set up the fundraiser to help Barb’s family financially amid her “fight toward recovery.”
“Whatever funds are not needed for her medical care will be donated directly to the other family impacted by this tragedy,” the friend wrote. “Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.”
