Press release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 13-year-old Kanapaha Middle School student King Banks posted a video on social media, calling a fellow student a derogatory term, cursing out their sibling, and flashing gang signs.

Then, on April 21 and April 22, Banks sent the victim multiple audio messages, threatening to not only fight but kill the victim. Banks also referenced previous homicides in Alachua County and held up gang signs.

Two days later, on April 24, the victim received another message from Banks. Banks said he would bring a gun to Kanapaha Middle School and shoot the victim, causing them to fear for their life.

Because Banks repeatedly made credible threats to the victim through the use of electronic communication, he was charged with aggravated cyberstalking and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.