In the heart of Saginaw, Michigan, a life full of vibrancy and promise was tragically cut short on September 12, 2018. Deviontae Marcione-Jerome Banks, a 26-year-old Black male born on December 27, 1991, was known for his infectious energy and his deep love for his family. A connoisseur of fashion, particularly Jordan 1 sneakers, he was often the life of the party, his presence marked by his favorite phrases, 'I'm pulling up right now,' 'You feel me?' and 'You hear me?'. A devoted father to his two daughters, he treasured his family, especially his mother and sisters, and was a member of The Way, The Truth and The Life Ministries.
On that fateful Wednesday afternoon, shortly before 1 p.m., Deviontae had just given a friend a ride to an appointment and was walking to a nearby mini-mart near North Mason and Throop streets. In a sudden and brutal act of violence, he was shot multiple times, sustaining wounds to his chest, right forearm, and right index finger. Despite his friend's frantic efforts to rush him to a hospital, Deviontae succumbed to his injuries shortly after their arrival, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
The investigation into his murder led authorities to 20-year-old Anthony Ontiveroz. After a brief standoff with police, during which he attempted to flee, Ontiveroz was apprehended. He was subsequently charged in connection with the fatal shooting. The legal proceedings that followed brought a measure of justice for Deviontae's family and community. Ontiveroz was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and third-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer. For these crimes, he was sentenced to serve 38 to 60 years in prison, bringing a close to the legal chapter of this tragic story, though the memory of Deviontae Banks continues to live on.
