A chilling incident unfolded in St. Augustine, Florida, leading to the arrest of a man accused of trying to murder two women, one of whom was reportedly his partner. Law enforcement officials have charged 37-year-old Michael Hankerson with two counts of premeditated attempted first-degree murder following a dramatic shooting.
The harrowing events transpired on the evening of December 4, when deputies from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office rushed to a home on Lena Street, responding to a report of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found two women in critical condition, both of whom were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
Authorities detailed that Hankerson had been inside the residence with the victims, watching a movie, when he allegedly drew a handgun and opened fire. The police report describes a grim scene: one woman was struck in the shoulder, while the other—identified as Hankerson’s partner—sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her lower extremities.
Following the shooting, Hankerson was apprehended approximately an hour later. Despite being taken into custody, he reportedly refused to cooperate with investigators. As of now, Hankerson remains detained in the St. Johns County Jail, where he is being held without the option of bail, pending further legal proceedings.
The report says that one was shot in the shoulder, while the other, who is said to have been in a relationship with Hankerson, was said to have “suffered multiple gunshot wounds to her lower extremities.”
Hankerson was located an hour later, police say. According to the report, he had refused to speak with law enforcement. He is currently held in the St. Johns County Jail with no bond.
