In the early hours of March 29, 2018, the life of 1-year-old Malaysia Robson was tragically cut short in Indianapolis, Indiana. The young female was asleep on a couch in her grandmother's home on North Wittfield Street when a barrage of gunfire struck the residence at approximately 2 a.m. More than 20 shots were fired into the house, one of which fatally wounded Malaysia and injured a 19-year-old woman inside.
The investigation into the senseless shooting revealed that it stemmed from a
dispute that originated on social media. An argument between women on Facebook escalated to a physical altercation and ultimately led to the devastating drive-by shooting. Following the incident, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department launched an investigation that quickly led to the identification of two suspects: Darrin Banks and Brian Palmer. Both men were subsequently arrested and held on preliminary charges of murder and aggravated battery.
During questioning, both Banks and Palmer reportedly confessed to their involvement in the shooting. Their confessions detailed how a conflict that began online culminated in a violent act that claimed an innocent life. In the legal proceedings that followed, Darrin Banks was found guilty of murder and battery using a deadly weapon. In October 2019, he was sentenced to 53 years in prison for his role in Malaysia's death. Brian Palmer entered into a plea agreement, and the murder charge against him was dropped. He was sentenced in December 2019 to nearly 20 years in prison for aggravated battery and battery by means of a deadly weapon.
