Suburban Horror: Family Mowed Down

A 21-year-old Michigan man deliberately hunted down an innocent family during their evening walk, mowing them down with his vehicle before executing their 3-year-old daughter with a shotgun—all because of delusional online threats that demonstrate how mental instability combined with violent weapons can shatter American families in suburban neighborhoods.

Story Snapshot

Alexander Lamar Banks Jr. confessed to targeting a Delta Township family based on online threats claiming he “had to kill someone to save his family”
Banks drove his car into parents Paige and Cameron and their 3-year-old daughter Harlow in a pink wagon, then fatally shot the child at close range with his father’s shotgun
A 72-year-old Good Samaritan neighbor who intervened was brutally beaten with the shotgun and required emergency brain surgery, remaining in critical condition
The suspect faces 10 felony charges including first-degree murder, while his defense attorney questions his mental state during the confession

Premeditated Attack on Innocent Family

Alexander Lamar Banks Jr. armed himself with his father’s shotgun on February 13, 2026, and drove around the block multiple times in Delta Township, Michigan, scouting for victims before deliberately targeting a family walking near Green Meadows and Farmstead Lane. Around 5:30 p.m., Banks accelerated his vehicle off the road and struck Cameron, 37, Paige, 33, and their 3-year-old daughter Harlow, who was riding in a pink wagon. Neighborhood camera footage captured Banks swerving at high speed to strike the family on the sidewalk. This wasn’t a random act of violence—Banks admitted to police he intentionally aimed for the father, demonstrating calculated malice that makes this attack particularly chilling for families across suburban America.

Brutal Execution and Heroic Intervention

After striking the family with his vehicle, Banks exited his car and opened fire with the shotgun, shooting the father at close range before reloading and fatally shooting 3-year-old Harlow at the scene. Banks then physically assaulted both parents, punching the father and pulling the mother’s hair while they were already injured from the vehicular assault. When 72-year-old neighbor Barb heard the commotion and rushed to help, Banks viciously beat her with the shotgun, leaving hair and flesh embedded in the weapon’s muzzle. The elderly Good Samaritan suffered severe head trauma requiring emergency brain surgery and remained unconscious in critical condition. Her brave intervention likely prevented further carnage, embodying the selfless courage that defines American values—standing up to evil despite personal risk.

Swift Justice and Community Response

Eaton County Sheriff’s deputies arrived within minutes of the attack, finding four victims and issuing an active shooter alert. Michigan State Police assisted in quickly apprehending Banks, who fled over a fence after dropping the shotgun. On February 17, 2026, Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd authorized 10 felony charges including first-degree murder, three counts of assault with intent to murder, four felony firearm counts, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent, and loaded firearm in vehicle. Banks remains held at Eaton County Jail pending trial. The parents survived in stable condition, though they now face overwhelming medical bills and the devastating loss of their daughter. Community members rallied through GoFundMe campaigns to support the victims’ medical costs, funeral expenses, and lost income, demonstrating how Americans support each other during tragedy.

Mental Health Defense Raises Concerns

Banks confessed to investigators that he acted because online threats convinced him he “had to kill someone to save his family,” revealing a disturbing delusion that drove his violent rampage. Defense attorney William Amadeo questioned whether Banks was “in the right state of mind” during his confession, setting up a potential mental health defense that may frustrate families seeking justice. While authorities classified the incident as isolated with no ongoing threat to the community, the case highlights growing concerns about online radicalization and untreated mental illness leading to violent acts. This tragedy underscores the need for stronger mental health interventions and family awareness—Banks’ father’s shotgun became the murder weapon, raising questions about firearm security when mentally unstable individuals have household access. The investigation continues as prosecutors build their case for what appears to be premeditated murder despite the suspect’s claimed delusions.