As of now, no criminal charges have been filed against Huntly, and the investigation is ongoing. The Lakeland Police Department is continuing to gather evidence and speak with witnesses to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the incident. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward and contact Detective Neal Robertson at 863-834-6971 or via email at [email protected].

This shooting marks a significant and unfortunate event in Lakeland, one that has left the community reeling. The investigation remains in its early stages, and law enforcement is working diligently to piece together the full story behind the altercation and subsequent gunfire. As more information becomes available, officials will provide updates to the public.

Details of the Incident

The events of the night unfolded quickly and violently, beginning with what appears to have been a minor disagreement that spiraled out of control. Witnesses reported that Banks, Lue, and Huntly had been involved in a verbal exchange that escalated when Banks physically struck Huntly. The altercation took place just outside the restaurant’s entrance, an area often frequented by customers either arriving or leaving the establishment.

According to witness statements, the altercation initially seemed to be a heated but non-violent confrontation. However, Banks’ decision to strike Huntly in the head changed the dynamic of the situation dramatically. Law enforcement officials have stated that this action likely prompted the male inside the restaurant, who was later identified as Huntly’s associate, to intervene. It is believed that this individual opened the front door of the restaurant in an attempt to defuse the situation and offer protection to Huntly.

At that moment, Banks and Lue are said to have redirected their aggression toward this person, and it was during this shift in focus that things took a much more dangerous turn. Banks and Lue allegedly pulled out a firearm and aimed it at the man inside the restaurant. Fearing for his life, Huntly, who was reportedly standing nearby, drew his own handgun and fired multiple rounds. Both Banks and Lue were struck by the gunfire, with Banks suffering fatal injuries and Lue being left critically wounded.

Law enforcement officials at the scene were able to recover a handgun from Banks’ body after he was transported to the hospital, supporting the claims that Banks had been armed during the confrontation. This key piece of evidence has further solidified the theory that Huntly may have acted out of self-defense when confronted with a potentially lethal threat from the two men.

Self-Defense Claim and Legal Considerations

The concept of self-defense, particularly in cases involving firearms, is a critical element of the investigation. In Florida, the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law allows individuals to use deadly force in certain situations without the duty to retreat if they believe they are in imminent danger of death or serious injury. The law has been controversial, with critics arguing that it can lead to unnecessary violence and a lack of accountability in certain situations.

In this case, preliminary findings suggest that Huntly may have been within his legal rights to defend himself. By all accounts, Huntly did not instigate the confrontation, but rather responded to an escalating situation in which he, and potentially others, were at risk. While the details of the altercation remain unclear, the fact that Banks and Lue allegedly produced a firearm and pointed it at Huntly strengthens the argument that the shooting could have been an act of self-defense.

As of now, law enforcement has not filed any charges against Huntly, and there is no indication that the investigation will lead to any immediate arrests. However, this case remains under active investigation, and it is possible that further evidence could emerge that either supports or challenges the current understanding of the events that transpired. The Lakeland Police Department has emphasized the importance of thorough investigation in such complex cases, and detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from the area surrounding Cali Rose 15 Kitchen.

The Role of Surveillance and Witness Testimonies

One of the critical aspects of the investigation will be the analysis of any available surveillance footage from the restaurant and nearby businesses. Surveillance cameras often provide valuable insight into the actions of the individuals involved and can help law enforcement corroborate witness statements.

In addition to any potential video evidence, witness testimony will play a vital role in piecing together the sequence of events. Authorities are currently reaching out to anyone who may have seen the altercation or the moments leading up to it. The community has been urged to come forward with any information that might assist in clarifying the details of what happened outside the restaurant.

It is common for witnesses to provide conflicting accounts of violent incidents, and investigators will need to carefully assess the reliability of each testimony. Additionally, law enforcement may need to conduct further interviews with those who were inside Cali Rose 15 Kitchen during the altercation to determine whether anyone else witnessed the confrontation or the subsequent shooting.

The Aftermath and Impact on the Community

The shooting has left the Lakeland community in shock, with many residents struggling to come to terms with the loss of Jesse Banks and the serious injury sustained by Nicholas Lue. Friends and family members of both men have expressed their grief, with some questioning what led to the tragic turn of events. On social media, there has been an outpouring of support for Lue as he continues to recover, as well as condolences for Banks’ loved ones.

Cali Rose 15 Kitchen, a well-known local establishment, has been at the center of attention since the shooting occurred. The restaurant had a reputation for being a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, but now it finds itself at the center of a criminal investigation. Authorities have not indicated that the business itself played any role in the incident, but the shooting outside its premises has certainly had an impact on the establishment’s reputation.

Local residents have voiced concerns over rising violence in the area, with some questioning whether the incident is part of a larger trend of escalating confrontations. Law enforcement in Lakeland has reassured the public that they are doing everything in their power to resolve the situation and ensure that justice is served.

Conclusion

The shooting outside Cali Rose 15 Kitchen on April 24, 2025, remains under investigation, with two individuals—Jesse Banks and Nicholas Lue—at the center of a tragic incident that ended in one man’s death and the other’s hospitalization. The case raises important questions about self-defense, the role of firearms in heated disputes, and the complexities of interpreting violent encounters.

As the Lakeland Police Department continues to gather evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage, the community will undoubtedly be waiting for further updates on this devastating event. Meanwhile, authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

The incident highlights the unpredictable and often tragic consequences of heated confrontations, and the importance of addressing violence in all its forms in the hopes of preventing future occurrences.