Delta Township, MI → A Delta Township man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he intentionally drove into a family out for a walk before exiting his vehicle and opening fire, killing a young child and seriously injuring three others in what authorities have described as an isolated but deeply disturbing act of violence.
According to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 5:30 p.m. on February 13 to reports of an active violent incident near Green Meadows and Farmstead Lane. When first responders arrived, they located four victims and immediately began life-saving measures while searching for the suspect.
Alexander Lamar Banks, Jr., 21, of Delta Township, was taken into custody shortly after with assistance from Michigan State Police.
Investigators say a vehicle driven by the suspect struck a family who were out walking. Authorities allege the suspect then exited the vehicle and fired multiple shots at the victims. A bystander who attempted to help was also attacked and suffered serious injuries.
A 3-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. A 37-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman were transported to the hospital in stable condition, while a 72-year-old woman was listed in critical condition.
Investigators say, “Preliminary investigation shows a vehicle driven by the suspect struck a family who was out for a walk” according to the affidavit of probable cause, “The suspect then exited the vehicle and fired numerous shots at the members of the family.”
He also began punching the girl’s parents and grabbed the mother by her hair “and began pulling it as if he was trying to break her neck,” according to the affidavit.
According to details outlined in the probable cause affidavit, Detective Cissel interviewed Alexander Banks Jr. after advising him of his Miranda rights. During the interview, Banks allegedly told investigators he had been receiving threats online and believed he “had to kill someone to save his family.”
The affidavit states that on February 12, Banks filled a backpack with shotgun shells from the garage and took his father’s shotgun, hiding it there. The following day, he placed the backpack and shotgun into his father’s vehicle and left the home.
Investigators say Banks told police he drove around the block in his neighborhood several times before spotting a family walking down the street. He allegedly admitted that he intentionally drove into the group, targeting the male victim.
According to the affidavit, Banks then got out of the vehicle, grabbed the shotgun, and began firing at the family he had just struck. He also allegedly told police he beat a male victim with the shotgun and then struck an older woman who ran toward the scene to help. He reportedly said he later dropped the shotgun and fled on foot.
Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney Douglas R. Lloyd announced that Banks has been formally charged and arraigned in connection with the attack. He is currently being held without bond, and the court has ordered a competency evaluation at the Center for Forensic Psychology. A probable cause conference is scheduled for April 20, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Adrianne K. Van Langevelde in 56A District Court.
Banks is charged with one count of First-Degree Premeditated Murder, three counts of Assault with Intent to Murder, four counts of Felony Firearm, one count of Possession of a Dangerous Weapon with Unlawful Intent, and one count of Possession of a Loaded Firearm in or Upon a Vehicle.
Charges Filed:
- 1 count — First-Degree Premeditated Murder (mandatory life without parole)
- 3 counts — Assault With Intent to Murder (up to life in prison)
- 4 counts — Felony Firearm (mandatory 2-year sentence consecutive to underlying felony)
- 1 count — Possession of a Dangerous Weapon With Unlawful Intent (up to 5 years)
- 1 count — Possession of a Loaded Firearm in or Upon a Vehicle (up to 2 years)
Banks, Jr. is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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