LAKELAND, Fla. – Nicholas Lue, 26, of West Palm Beach, has been charged with Second-Degree Murder in connection with the death of 28-year-old Jesse Banks of Lakeland.
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on April 24, 2025, outside the Cali Rose 15 Kitchen, located at 1323 Ariana Street in Lakeland.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 9:31 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered that Banks and Lue had both sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment. Banks succumbed to his injuries, while Lue was stabilized and remained hospitalized.
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The initial investigation revealed that Banks and Lue allegedly initiated an argument with 24-year-old Tre D’Shon Huntly of Lakeland just outside the establishment. The verbal altercation escalated when Banks reportedly struck Huntly. At this point, an unidentified male inside the restaurant opened the door in defense of Huntly.
Authorities state that Banks and Lue then directed their aggression towards this individual, producing a handgun and pointing it at him. In response, Huntly drew his own firearm and discharged it multiple times, striking both Banks and Lue.
While Huntly cooperated fully with the detectives at the scene, the subsequent investigation led to charges against Lue.
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Police have determined that Banks’ death occurred while Lue was allegedly attempting to perpetrate the murder of the unidentified male who intervened in defense of Huntly.
Under Florida law, an individual can be charged with second-degree murder if a death occurs during the commission of certain felonies, even if they were not the one who directly caused the death.
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