In what began as a heated argument between a stepfather and stepson, 58-year-old Michael Jackson tragically lost his life in a fatal shooting. The incident unfolded on a Monday evening, around 6:30 p.m., at an apartment complex on Ridge Run in Marietta. Responding to initial reports of a domestic dispute, Marietta police officers were en route when they received updates of gunfire at the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered Michael Jackson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was immediately rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The suspect in the shooting was quickly identified as Jackson's 26-year-old stepson, Pharron Carlos Banks. Banks fled the scene before police arrived, sparking a manhunt. Investigators believe the shooting occurred in front of a child, leading to an additional charge of cruelty to children. Banks was reported to have left in a black Nissan Rogue. Through the use of license plate reader technology, the Atlanta Police Department was able to track and locate the unoccupied vehicle on John Hope Drive in Atlanta. The car was then brought back to Marietta for processing.
After a multi-day search, Pharron Banks was located at a residence in Gwinnett County. The Gwinnett County Police Department's SWAT team was called to the scene and, after issuing verbal commands, Banks exited the home and was taken into custody without further incident. Warrants had been secured for his arrest on charges of homicide-murder, aggravated assault with a weapon, and third-degree cruelty to a child.
