Michael Bankston, shot and killed whereas making an attempt to cease home dispute, honored with avenue title in Logan Square

CHICAGO (CBS) — Ten months after a person was killed whereas making an attempt to do the suitable factor, the town is honoring his reminiscence.

In October of final yr, we informed you about Michael Bankston – who was shot and killed making an attempt to guard a stranger from her boyfriend in Logan Square.

As CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar reported, Bankston is now being commemorated with an honorary avenue title within the neighborhood – and it means an excellent deal to his household.

While most would possibly simply see an honorary brown avenue signal for Michael H. Bankston III, Bankston’s mom, Molly Cruz appears on the avenue named in honor of her son from a distinct perspective.

“I can see the gentleness,” Cruz mentioned. “I can see the strength. I can see the humor. I can see the passion. I can see the conviction.”

The honorary signal will probably be unveiled Saturday close to Wrightwood and Spaulding avenues in Logan Square, and can pay respects to Bankston – identified by these closes to him as Mikey.

“It’s legendary, you know? It’s a life well lived,” Cruz mentioned. “He would have loved it. He would have loved it.”

Last September, Bankston had simply completed choosing up his order at a McDonald’s drive-through on the 2600 block of North Milwaukee Avenue – simply northwest of Logan Square Park and the Illinois Centennial Monument – when he noticed a person quarreling and getting bodily with a girl.

Bankston acquired out of his automotive and tried to assist the lady – however he was shot a number of instances and died. He was 25.

Prosecutors charged Jesus Garcia with first-degree homicide.

“That was his conviction,” Cruz mentioned. “There’s no way that he could see someone being harmed and not go to help.”

Bankston’s mother frequently visits his favourite spots in Chicago – together with Logan Square Park. She additionally finds peace in visiting to the spot the place he was shot.

“I wasn’t there, I wasn’t there for his last breath,” she mentioned, “so it’s the next best thing, I guess.”

While Bankston misplaced his life doing the suitable factor, his mother is comforted understanding the title Michael H. Bankston III will reside without end on Michael H. Bankston III Avenue.

“For someone walking by to look up his story and say, ‘Wow, he was a product of this neighborhood, and yes, good things can come from here,’” Cruz mentioned.

The celebration for Bankston and avenue unveiling begins at midday Saturday. Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (thirty fifth) is anticipated to do the honors.