Crime
Alanitra Adam-Banks, 31, Killed in Robinsonville Shooting, Husband James Banks Also Dies in Apparent Murder-Suicide
ROBINSONVILLE, Miss. — A 31-year-old woman identified as Alanitra Adam-Banks was fatally shot at an apartment complex in Robinsonville, Mississippi, on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Her 54-year-old husband, identified as James Banks, also died following a shooting at the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said.
According to the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of gunfire at the Lexington Apartments on Old Highway 61 North shortly before 1 p.m.
When deputies arrived, they found Adam-Banks suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and attempted to provide assistance, but she died from her injuries.
During the investigation, deputies identified James Banks, 54, as the suspect. Authorities confirmed that Banks was Adam-Banks’ husband.
Deputies subsequently contacted Banks by telephone. During the conversation, he reportedly told authorities that he was traveling to the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office to surrender.
However, when Banks arrived at the sheriff’s office, he remained inside his vehicle. Deputies made contact with him while he was still in the vehicle, when he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities and emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures at the scene, but Banks also died from his injuries.
The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office is investigating both deaths as a homicide-suicide involving the married couple.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed what led to the shooting at the Lexington Apartments. Authorities also have not released information about a possible motive or whether there had been previous domestic violence incidents involving the couple.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
As family members and loved ones mourn Adam-Banks, tributes have focused on remembering her life beyond the tragic circumstances of her death.
Her loss has also renewed concerns about domestic violence and the importance of taking reports of fear, threats or abuse seriously.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Alanitra’s family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy. May those who loved her find comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Crime
Vicksburg Murder-Suicide Suspect Cedric Garrett Who Killed His Wife Val-Tricia Today, Also Killed His Brother Derrick Maxey in 2002
VICKSBURG, Miss. — Authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after 53-year-old Val-Tricia Garrett, widely known in the community as “Ms. Val,” and her 40-year-old husband, Cedric Garrett, were found dead inside a vehicle behind the Vicksburg Convalescent Home on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The deaths have drawn renewed attention to a separate fatal incident involving Cedric Garrett more than two decades earlier in the same city.
According to law enforcement reports, the incident began unfolding around 7 a.m. Friday when Cedric Garrett, who used the name “Gee Gskii” on Facebook, began a live broadcast on the platform. During the video, he admitted to killing his wife and spoke at length about their 16-year relationship, alternating between expressions of love and accusations.
Throughout the recording, Garrett repeatedly apologized, stated that he had made serious mistakes, and claimed he had previously sought help without receiving support. He indicated that he intended to take his own life and stated he was driving to the nursing home where his mother worked. At one point during the broadcast, the camera panned toward the front passenger seat, showing an individual lying motionless.
Vicksburg police were alerted to the video as it circulated online and responded to the area around 9 a.m. Officers located Garrett armed inside a vehicle parked behind the Vicksburg Convalescent Home, near the intersection of Shannon and Cherry streets.
Police attempted to establish communication and bring the standoff to a peaceful resolution. At approximately 9:42 a.m., gunfire was reported from the vehicle. Vicksburg Police Chief Larry Burns confirmed that Garrett died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. When officers approached the car, they discovered Val-Tricia Garrett deceased in the front passenger seat.
Court and historical news records indicate that Friday’s shooting is the second fatal act of family violence involving Cedric Garrett in Vicksburg.
On September 13, 2002, Garrett—then 16 years old—fatally stabbed his 20-year-old brother, Derrick Dewayne Maxey, at their shared residence at 1425 Oakland Street. According to contemporary reporting by The Vicksburg Post, the stabbing occurred during a domestic argument in which Garrett picked up a knife and struck Maxey once in the left side.
Emergency medical personnel transported Maxey by ambulance to River Region Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His body was subsequently sent to Pearl, Mississippi, for an autopsy.
The Vicksburg Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Friday’s apparent murder-suicide. Further details regarding the timeline of Val-Tricia Garrett’s death have not yet been released by officials.
News of Val-Tricia Garrett’s death has prompted widespread grief across Vicksburg, with friends, neighbors, and community members sharing tributes remembering her warmth and presence as “Ms. Val.”
Domestic Violence and Crisis Support Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or a mental health crisis, free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Emergency Services: Call 911