Indianapolis man arrested for murder just two days after being released from jail
An Indianapolis man has been arrested for murder after allegedly intentionally driving over and killing another man outside a bar just two days after being released from jail. The suspect, 33-year-old Felipe Maguellal, was located and arrested by detectives from the Indianapolis Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) in connection with the homicide of Perry Banks.
According to witnesses, Banks had intervened in an argument between strangers at the Checkered Flag Tavern on West Morris Street when Maguellal got into his SUV and drove towards a crowd of people, running over and killing Banks in the process. Police described Banks as simply trying to defuse the situation.
Prior to the fatal incident, surveillance footage reportedly showed Maguellal threatening and shooting a driver following a fight at a club on the south side of Indianapolis. The victim, who was also trying to break up a disturbance, survived the shooting and identified Maguellal as the suspect.
Despite being arrested for the shooting, Maguellal’s bond was lowered to $15,000, and he was released from jail just two days before Banks’ murder. This has raised concerns among some police leaders about the flaws in the criminal justice system that allow for such outcomes.
Maguellal is currently being held without bond pending the filing of formal murder charges. He has denied any involvement in the homicide. The Indianapolis Metro Police Department has been reached out for comment but has not responded yet.
The case of Felipe Maguellal serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of a revolving door justice system that some argue gives individuals with allegations of violence a “get out of jail free card.” The tragic outcome of Banks’ murder highlights the need for a closer examination of the processes that lead to such incidents.
