Outlet Mall Shooter Convicted of 2nd Degree Attempted Murder

MANATEE COUNTY — On Wednesday, State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced that his office had secured a conviction in a 2022 shooting at the Ellenton Outlet Mall. Octavio Banos was convicted of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 24 Years, previously found delinquent.

According to the investigation, the victim was shopping at the Ellenton Outlet Mall with friends when Banos began taunting and antagonizing the victim to fight. Banos and the victim knew each other from school and did not get along. The victim tried to avoid the conflict by walking away and trying to leave the mall. When the victim walked behind the stores to get to the parking lot, Bano fired his gun six times, with one bullet striking the victim.

Gunshots were heard throughout the Ellenton Outlet Mall, causing fear and panic among shoppers. All outlet stores went into lockdown, and patrons were not permitted to enter or leave stores until the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office cleared the scene.

"We are pleased with the jury’s verdict holding the Defendant accountable for his actions," said lead prosecutor Assistant State Attorney Charlie Lawrence. "The Defendant’s targeting of the victim not only caused harm to the victim but struck fear and panic into our community. We commend the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for their timely response to this shooting incident and for their excellent handling of a chaotic scene."

The crimes were committed on 07/17/2022 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The jury trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse from March 25, 2024, to March 27, 2024. The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of Life.

The minimum mandatory sentence is 25 years in prison. However, the Defendant qualifies as a youthful offender, so the presiding Judge has the option to depart from the minimum mandatory. Sentencing is to be scheduled.