BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Seven months after 15-year-old Prince Banner was shot and killed at The Marketplace on Ming Avenue, no arrests have been made and no criminal charges have been filed, leaving a grieving family and community in search of answers.
Family Seeks Accountability
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In the wake of her son’s death, Banner’s mother has filed a $15 million claim against the City of Bakersfield, alleging that the area is known for attracting trouble and lacked sufficient security on the night of the shooting. According to the claim, there had been a call reporting violence in the area approximately an hour before Banner was killed.
Lingering Impact on Community
The shooting, which occurred in November 2023, continues to affect residents, students, and business owners in the area.
Emma Skyfox, a local college student, shared the unease she and her friends now feel when visiting The Marketplace.
“This is such a connected, family-based area, so I was like, oh God, this is starting to really affect smaller-based communities and that’s starting to scare me a lot,” she said.
“To have that place compromised of the comfort and safety you feel with other people, it just made you think — is that place not safe?”
Concerns Over Safety
Marketplace employees and frequent visitors have expressed concerns over the level of security at the shopping center.
“I mean, they do let the kids ride their bikes and skateboards all over the walkway and everything,” said Andrew Abramson, an employee at the center.
Local teens report that parental restrictions have tightened in the aftermath, with some stores noting a decline in customer activity shortly after the shooting.
Mixed Reactions From Public
While some community members have voiced fear or discomfort, others feel largely unaffected and continue to visit the shopping center without hesitation.
“I feel like a lot of the incidents are more of a personal than a random public thing happening,” said Roseanna Brandon, a regular shopper.
Case Still Pending
Since the night of the shooting, the case has reportedly moved between law enforcement and the district attorney’s office, but no formal decisions have been made public. With months passing and no legal resolution, frustration continues to grow among those closest to the victim.
As the community waits, questions remain: who is responsible for Banner’s death, and will justice ever be served?
