Jun 08, 2023

Kan. murder suspect who hid from from police 17 days is out of jail

Posted Jun 08, 2023 9:00 PM
Banks photo Sedgwick Co.
Banks photo Sedgwick Co.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused in a fatal shooting last month made her first court appearance in the case Wednesday and is out of jail after meeting the requirements of a $500,000 bond, according to online jail records.

La’Niha Banks, 19 of Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder, attempted 1st degree murder, two counts of criminal discharge of a firearm, and four counts of aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Tuesday, police arrested  Banks after a 17 day search.  

Just after 11 pm May 20, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1000 block of E 1st Street N. in Wichita. Upon arrival, officers located  19-year-old Lationna Johnson  with two gunshot wounds to her upper body.

EMS transported Johnson to an area hospital in critical condition and with life-threatening injuries. She died on May 23, according to Rebolledo.

The investigation revealed that Johnson was trying to break up a physical altercation between an acquaintance of hers and Banks in a parking lot. After the victim managed to stop the fight, she started to drive away, but the Banks produced a handgun and started to shoot into the occupied vehicle.

 Attorneys in the case are scheduled to discuss future dates on June 22, according to the. District Attorney's office.

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