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Manhunt for stepson accused of killing Marietta man
A domestic dispute at a Marietta apartment turned deadly Monday evening. Now, police are searching for the victim’s stepson.
MARIETTA, Ga. - Marietta police are searching for a 26-year-old man they say shot and killed his stepfather Monday night, then ditched the getaway car near the Atlanta University Center.
What we know:
Marietta police said they were called just before 6:30 p.m. to an apartment along Ridge Run, off Franklin Gateway, for reports of a heated argument between a stepfather and stepson. While officers were on the way, dispatchers received reports of gunfire.
When officers arrived, they found 58-year-old Michael Jackson inside the apartment suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital but died from his injuries.
Pharron Carlos Banks is accused of killing his stepfather, police say.
Investigators identified the stepson, 26-year-old Pharron Banks, who had only been living with the family for about two months before the deadly argument at their apartment at The Briggs at Powers Park in Marietta. Police said Banks left the scene in a black Nissan Rogue before officers arrived.
Banks is described as 6-foot-5 and roughly 160 pounds, and police warn he should be considered dangerous.
Police said they now have warrants for Banks’ arrest, charging him with homicide, aggravated assault and cruelty to children in the third degree.
Police say Banks fled the apartment and later abandoned the vehicle on John Hope Drive near the Atlanta University Center.
Officers found his car early Tuesday morning at an Atlanta apartment complex and towed it away, but Banks was not arrested. Police said cameras and license plate readers helped them track down the car.
What they're saying:
Neighbors remember Michael Jackson fondly.
"He’s definitely a great dad, great husband," one neighbor said. "He was a great gentleman. Always spoke when passing around, making a joke."
Neighbors said the complex is normally calm.
"You see how quiet it is now? That’s how it usually is," one resident said.
Another parent standing nearby said news of the shooting hit hard. "I have four sons, and I know how hard it is sometimes being a parent. I just feel bad to hear that that happened."
What we don't know:
Authorities have not said what triggered the dispute between the stepfather and stepson or what caused it to escalate to gunfire.
What connection Banks may have to the Atlanta University Center area remains unclear.
"With regard to where the vehicle was located, could there be a friend or a family member that live in the area? We don’t know those answers yet," Marietta Police PIO Chuck McPhilamy said. "If you have information related to that and you’re seeing this video, please reach out to us."
What's next:
Police are urging Banks to surrender. As one neighbor put it, "You can’t run forever. Turn yourself in, do the right thing."
Marietta police still have the suspect’s vehicle and are seeking a warrant to search it for evidence.
What you can do:
Authorities have not located Banks are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the Marietta Police Department or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-8477.
Police said you should not approach Banks if you see him because he is considered armed and dangerous.
The Source: The Marietta Police Department provided the details for this article. It's been updated to show the car was found and the stepfather died.