In the early morning hours of Thursday, May 16, 2024, tragedy struck at the Brookhaven Apartments on James I. Harrison Parkway in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, resulting in the death of 41-year-old Travaris Keundre Banks Sr. The incident, which unfolded around 1:30 a.m., also left another male victim with serious injuries. First responders arrived at the scene to find that two individuals had been shot. Banks was pronounced dead at the apartment complex. The second victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was expected to survive his injuries.
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit immediately launched an investigation into the double shooting. Working through the morning, investigators processed the crime scene and interviewed witnesses. Their efforts quickly led to the identification of a suspect. By that afternoon, with assistance from U.S. Marshals, the police located and arrested 37-year-old Aaron Reshad Smith.
Authorities stated they found 'clear evidence' linking Smith to the shooting. He was subsequently charged with one count of murder for the death of Travaris Keundre Banks Sr. and one count of attempted murder for the injuries sustained by the second victim. Following his arrest, Smith was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail. The death of Banks marked the 14th homicide investigated by the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit in 2024. Funeral services for Travaris Keundre Banks Sr. were scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Bailey Tabernacle CME Church, with a public viewing the day before.
