Prince Michael Banner

Prince Michael Banner, a beloved 15-year-old known for his vibrant spirit, was a sophomore at Stockdale High School in Bakersfield, California. Born on February 27, 2009, he was an excellent student, a talented drummer, and a dedicated football player. He was well-liked by his peers and deeply loved by his family, who remember him as a special and cherished young man. His older brother recalled advising him to stay in school, do the right thing, and believe in God. The family later shared that Prince had endured more than a year of bullying and threats from the individual who would later be accused of his murder.

On the evening of Sunday, November 10, 2024, an altercation at The Marketplace shopping center on Ming Avenue ended in tragedy. At approximately 8:37 p.m., Prince was shot. He was rushed to Kern Medical, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 9:22 p.m. The Bakersfield Police Department quickly identified another 15-year-old, Albert Briseño Jr., as the alleged shooter. Investigators stated that both teenagers, who were fellow students at Stockdale High, had a history with each other and were armed at the time of the incident, though police believe Prince did not fire his weapon.

Two days after the shooting, on November 12, Albert Briseño Jr. surrendered to the Bakersfield Police Department. However, the path to justice was not straightforward. On November 14, 2024, the Kern County District Attorney's Office announced there was insufficient evidence to file charges and returned the case to the police for further investigation, leading to Briseño's release. This decision was met with anguish from Prince's family and community, who began a long wait for accountability. In a statement, Prince's mother expressed the immense pain of losing her only child to gun violence and the difficulty of the extended investigation.

The investigation continued for months. In March 2025, the Bakersfield Police Department completed its follow-up and resubmitted the case to the District Attorney's office. Finally, in November 2025, more than a year after Prince's death, a breakthrough occurred. On November 17, 2025, Albert Briseño Jr., then 16, was arrested. The Kern County District Attorney's Office filed a petition in juvenile court alleging charges of first-degree murder, possession of a handgun by a minor, carrying a stolen loaded firearm, and carrying an unregistered loaded firearm. Prince's mother said the arrest was "the first step towards justice for my son," and expressed gratitude for the district attorney's persistence.

The killing of Prince Banner sent shockwaves through the Bakersfield community, galvanizing calls to end youth violence. Hundreds gathered for a prayer vigil at The Marketplace on November 12, 2024, just days after his death. Local organizations, including the Wendale Davis Foundation, Mothers Against Gang Violence, and the NAACP Bakersfield chapter, came together to support the grieving family and demand change. Speakers at the vigil, including Prince's mother and brother, shared tearful memories and pleaded for the community to unite to protect its youth. A GoFundMe campaign was also established to support his family.

In the wake of the tragedy, Prince's family established the Prince Michael Forever 15 Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to changing how youth are seen, supported, and protected. The foundation's mission is to continue Prince's legacy by inspiring hope, compassion, and positive change.

As of December 2025, the case against Albert Briseño Jr. was proceeding in juvenile court. He was being held in juvenile hall pending a detention hearing scheduled for December 1, 2025. The case has highlighted profound concerns about youth access to firearms and the devastating consequences of bullying and escalating conflicts. Prince's family and the wider community continue to advocate for justice and meaningful change to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.