Former P.I.V. Gang Boss Darien Banks Gunned Down
Darien Banks
There have been three shooting incidents in the Lake Independence area of Belize City that have left four persons injured and one dead, since Sunday night. Darien Banks, a former P.I.V. gang boss, was shot and killed on Monday while walking on Ebony Street. It is believed that his murder is connected to a flare up between two rival gangs in the area, B.L.C. and P.I.V. Darien Banks has an extensive rap sheet, from charges related to murder, attempted murder, ammunition, unlicensed firearm, and assault. He has made headlines on countless occasions in connection with these charges. News Five’s Paul Lopez visited Banks’ residence in Belize City earlier today, in the wake of his murder. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Police officers were on high alert in Lake Independence this morning, following two separate shooting incidents in the area on Tuesday evening that left one man dead. The murder victim, identified as Darien Banks Sr., is said to have been a former leader of the P.I.V. gang. At the time of his demise, Banks was battling with mental illness.
Lake Independence Resident
Voice of: Lake Independence Resident
“There has been a lot of action here. We could say like the streets have been hot. Not like hot with gang members and things like that, but with the police moving around. I know the police are doing their job, but at the same time, he helped a lot of kids in the community. A lot of people are hurt and a little sensitive right now, but the police deh nuh really up fih hear that, deh just come yah, and if the guys don’t want to comply then…”
This morning, police detained one of Darien Bank’s nephews on Mahogany Street near his home, under the suspicion that he was carrying an illegal weapon. After ten minutes in police custody at the Mahogany Street Police Sub-Station, that individual was released. The young man’s mother, Indira Banks, spoke with us off camera.
Indira Banks, Sister of Deceased
Voice of: Indira Banks, Sister of Deceased
“I suggest deh the pick up the wrong crew here and deh nuh know dah who, but dah man up dah top nuh the sleep. I would want to tell the killer, come out and show deh face to the good lord there. I nuh wah point no finger, I am his sister and I want to see best for my brother. I want see the killer show his face or her face.”
According to police, Banks was walking on Ebony Street around four p.m. when he was approached by a male person who fired several shots at him, causing his fatal injuries. Banks took his final breath while bleeding out inside a nearby drain. And, while police investigate, Bank’s sister believes that a woman who has allegedly been sending death threats to Darien Banks is connected to his murder.
Voice of: Indira Banks
“The woman who is texting him, I want to know who is the woman. The woman with the two babies. I don’t know who is the woman.”
Paul Lopez
“Tell us a bit more about that.”
Voice of: Indira Banks
“I do not know, first time I hear about it, because my brothers mention about it to me, but I don’t know the woman so I have to get deep down into it.”
Paul Lopez
“And you believe she is connected somehow?”
Voice of: Indira Banks
“Yes, some woman lead him to his death, I do not know who the woman is.”
Indira Banks was on the scene of her brother’s murder only moments after he was gunned down. She and other family members remained at a distance for almost an hour, while officers processed the scene. Moments before the lifeless body of Darien Banks was taken away, Indira Banks was called over by officers to identify the body.
Paul Lopez
“Some people are of the opinion that his murder was expected?”
Indira Banks
“Was gang related? Nope, nope.”
Reporter
“Is that because he had seemingly changed his life from the role he once held?”
Voice of: Indira Banks
“Yes, lot of people hates him because he changed his life. He is a mental patient. My mom talk to him, we talk to him a lot, his son talk to him. The last time I saw him was yesterday afternoon when ih the drink with “Johnny Bad” dah the corner of Salvation Army, some can beers. I said, breds what is up? What kinda strange thing this, you nuh the come eat the fry chicken I make for you? He said, yes sis, but I wah save it for later.”
And, the Lake Independence resident we spoke with off camera says he is not of the belief that the guys in his neighborhood have any intention to seek revenge for Bank’s murder. He wants police officers to go easier on the guys in the area.
Voice of: Lake Independence Resident
“This morning I see a cool little guy, he doesn’t give any trouble and the police tell he come yah and he is like, I don’t want to go there. He was a little bit reluctant to go back because dah the police, we can’t really trust, especially with this type of lifestyle. So, he didn’t want to turn back and he made up his mind and turn back and when he did so police walk to him and hit him. And, I was watching that as a bystander and said that’s not fair. The guy came back. If you were chasing him and then ketch ah then you could hit him, but emotions get involved. But you can’t really, just a bit more control in the public. I don’t believe these guys, or a lot of these guys, are out there giving trouble to say they will pick up a gun and go back to shoot.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez
