On November 10, 2024, 15-year-old Prince Michael Banner was fatally shot at The Marketplace shopping center in Bakersfield, California. The shooting happened about 8:37 p.m.; Banner was taken to Kern Medical and pronounced dead at 9:22 p.m. The Bakersfield Police Department identified 15-year-old Albert Briseño Jr. as the suspect, saying Briseño allegedly shot Banner during an altercation. Briseño surrendered on November 12, 2024.

Investigators say both teenagers were armed and that they had a prior history with each other, suggesting the shooting escalated from a past conflict. The Kern County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and, as of December 10, 2024, returned it to the Bakersfield Police Department for further investigation, citing insufficient evidence to file charges at that time. No charges had been filed by that date.

Banner was a Stockdale High School sophomore, known as a drummer and football player, and his death prompted vigils and calls to end youth violence from groups including the Wendale Davis Foundation and Mothers Against Gang Violence. If anyone who knew Prince or has information about the events that night can help, please come forward.