In the winter chill of February 18, 2020, Deonte Jackson, a 39-year-old Black man, was found dead in a home at 820 S. 23rd Street in Saginaw County's Buena Vista Township. The tragic discovery was the beginning of a double homicide investigation that would also claim the life of his 68-year-old father, Bruce Banks. While Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene, his father was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries later that same day.
Deonte, born on December 22, 1980, to Delores Jackson and Bruce Banks, was a graduate of Buena Vista High School. He had spent most of his life in Saginaw, with the exception of a five-year period in Arlington, Texas. He had returned to his hometown in 2019, working first at Cinderella Inc. and later at Lowe's.
The investigation into the double homicide, led by the Michigan State Police-Saginaw Major Case Team and the Buena Vista Township Police, has yet to result in any arrests. Authorities believe the suspect may have walked through the snow to 24th Street before getting into a vehicle and fleeing the area. The case remains an active and unsolved cold case.
In an effort to bring justice to the families of Deonte Jackson and Bruce Banks, Crime Stoppers has offered a cash reward of up to $2,500 for any information that leads to an arrest in connection with the double homicide. Law enforcement continues to urge anyone with information to come forward as the community still seeks answers in this tragic case.
