How Police Uncovered Soldier's Hidden Crime

TL;DR

Officers discovered the body of a missing teenager hidden in a soldier's bedroom wall. The soldier, Eric Banks Jr., initially lied about the teen's whereabouts but was later found guilty of murder. His attempt to evade police scrutiny failed, and he was sentenced to 42 years in prison.

Transcript

Hey, how you doing? >> I'm doing good. Bossing yourself. >> This is US Marine veteran Eric Banks. Moments after this body cam footage, officers would find his horrifying secret stuffed inside his bedroom wall. It might dim on you. >> What's up? 9:5 in there and saw our responsibility now. >> Eric, who is also an active officer for Baltimore PD thin... Read More

Key Insights

• Eric Banks Jr. was a US Marine veteran and an officer for the Baltimore Police Department.
• Banks initially lied to officers about the whereabouts of his stepson, Dason.
• Dason's body was found hidden in a crawl space in Banks' bedroom.
• Banks was suspended from the Baltimore Police Department on the day of the incident.
• The autopsy report indicated Dason died from asphyxiation, suggesting strangulation.
• Banks attempted to disarm an officer during his arrest, further complicating his case.
• Banks accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder and was sentenced to 42 years.
• The video aims to educate viewers on police procedures and transparency in criminal cases.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did police discover the body of the missing teenager?

Police discovered the body of the missing teenager, Dason, during a voluntary search of Eric Banks Jr.'s home. Initially, Banks lied about Dason's whereabouts, but officers noticed suspicious behavior and conducted a thorough search, leading to the discovery of Dason's body hidden in a crawl space in Banks' bedroom.

Q: What was the cause of death for the missing teenager?

The autopsy report revealed that the missing teenager, Dason, died from asphyxiation, which suggested strangulation. This finding contradicted Eric Banks Jr.'s claims and played a crucial role in the investigation, ultimately leading to his arrest and conviction for second-degree murder.

Q: What charges were brought against Eric Banks Jr.?

Eric Banks Jr. was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and child resulting in death. He later accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder and attempting to disarm a police officer, resulting in a 42-year prison sentence.

Q: How did Eric Banks Jr. attempt to evade police scrutiny?

Eric Banks Jr. initially lied to police about his stepson Dason's whereabouts, claiming he had run away. During the investigation, Banks attempted to disarm an officer and provided a complex alibi to explain the presence of Dason's body in his home, all of which ultimately failed to prevent his arrest and conviction.

Q: What role did Eric Banks Jr.'s military and police background play in the case?

Eric Banks Jr.'s background as a US Marine and police officer influenced his initial confidence in evading police scrutiny. His knowledge of police procedures allowed him to craft a complex alibi and attempt to manipulate the situation, but it ultimately did not prevent his arrest or conviction.

Q: What was the significance of the autopsy report in the investigation?

The autopsy report was significant in the investigation as it revealed that Dason died from asphyxiation, suggesting strangulation. This finding directly contradicted Eric Banks Jr.'s claims and was a key piece of evidence leading to his arrest and eventual conviction for second-degree murder.

Q: What were the circumstances leading to Eric Banks Jr.'s suspension from the police department?

Eric Banks Jr. was suspended from the Baltimore Police Department following a peace order filed by his wife, Latrice, which led to a court order for them to stay away from each other. His suspension occurred on the same day as Dason's death, adding to the personal and professional turmoil he was experiencing.

Q: What was the outcome of Eric Banks Jr.'s trial?

Eric Banks Jr. accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder and attempting to disarm a police officer. He was sentenced to 42 years in prison on October 4th, 2022. If he serves his full sentence, he will be released in 2064.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Officers discovered the body of missing teenager Dason hidden in a crawl space in Eric Banks Jr.'s bedroom. Banks, a former Marine and police officer, initially lied about Dason's whereabouts, claiming he ran away. The autopsy revealed asphyxiation as the cause of death, leading to Banks' arrest and conviction.

• Eric Banks Jr. was found guilty of second-degree murder after police discovered his stepson's body concealed in his home. Banks' initial attempts to deceive officers were unsuccessful, and his violent behavior during arrest further incriminated him. He was sentenced to 42 years in prison following a plea deal.

• The video provides an educational overview of the investigation and arrest of Eric Banks Jr., highlighting the procedures and challenges faced by law enforcement. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in handling criminal cases involving law enforcement personnel.