Man accused of deadly crash that left 3-year-old dead, 72-year-old critical
Alexander Lamar Banks Jr. has been arrested on multiple charges, such as murder
A community in Michigan is devastated after a weekend shooting claimed the life of a young girl and harmed an elderly woman who attempted to assist.
Law enforcement responded to an "active incident of violence" in Delta Township, Michigan, where they discovered four victims, the Eaton County Sheriff's Office shared in a statement on Sunday (February 15).
Emergency measures were taken, but a 3-year-old child was declared dead at the location, as stated in the report.
The other individuals involved were a 37-year-old male, a 33-year-old female, and a 72-year-old female.
The authorities took 21-year-old Alexander Lamar Banks, Jr. into custody on multiple charges, including premeditated murder, the Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced on Tuesday.
Officials have not disclosed the names or identities of the victims. The child was recognised as Harlow in a GoFundMe mentioned by the Lansing State Journal.
The investigation unveiled that Banks allegedly collided with the family, who were enjoying a walk with Harlow in a pink wagon, the Lansing State Journal reported, referencing court documents.
Footage from security cameras mentioned in court documents describes Banks exiting the vehicle, dropping a backpack, and allegedly firing upon the family, hitting all three.
Investigators reported that he seemed to reload his weapon and allegedly fired at the family again.
The 72-year-old woman, identified as Barb through a GoFundMe effort, is said to have intervened to help the family and suffered critical injuries.
In the fundraiser, Barb's relatives stated she "charged into danger and saved two lives by drawing the gunman's attention away from the family." Investigators allege Banks struck her multiple times.
Barb experienced severe head and facial injuries, necessitating brain surgery, according to the fundraiser cited by the Lansing State Journal.
Barb's actions reportedly halted the alleged assault on the child's mother, who reported to police that Banks yanked her hair with such force she feared he intended to break her neck, the Lansing State Journal detailed, citing court documentation.