Anthony Marquise Bankston, a 25-year-old African American male from Lima, Ohio, tragically lost his life on December 29, 2018. He was shot multiple times outside an after-hours club at 904 S. Main St. in Lima during an altercation that involved several other individuals. The incident occurred in the early morning hours, and Anthony was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into Anthony's death revealed that there were multiple shell casings from different firearms at the crime
scene. Witnesses reported seeing a black Charger with a dealership license plate speeding away from the scene shortly after the shots were fired. The police conducted extensive interviews and reviewed hours of surveillance footage to identify the perpetrator.
Jemonte McNeal, a 25-year-old from Pickerington, Ohio, was eventually arrested and charged with Anthony's murder. McNeal initially faced two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault, but he later accepted a plea deal to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. In March 2020, McNeal was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his role in Anthony's death.
The case also involved Rasheign Tisdale, a 24-year-old from Lima, who was initially taken into custody as a suspect. Tisdale pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm on or near a prohibited premises and other related charges. He received a sentence of 66 months in prison.
Anthony's death was a senseless act of violence that deeply affected his family and the community. His aunt, Necole Brownlow, who raised him from a young age, spoke out against the gun violence plaguing Lima and urged the community to come together to prevent further tragedies.
Anthony Bankston's legacy lives on through his family, including his son Anari Bankston and daughter Amariana Bankston, who continue to honor his memory.
