Photo: gofundme
A Baltimore police officer was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his 15-year-old stepson, who was found slain in an attic crawlspace, officials said.
On July 6, Anne Arundel County Police responded to a call about a custody dispute. When officers arrived shortly after 4:45 p.m., Eric Banks Jr. said his stepson had left his home without his belongings, officials saidduring a press conference.
“The officers checked the residence and discovered the teen unresponsive, locating him in an upstairs attic crawlspace,” said Anne Arundel County Police spokesman Justin Mulcahy.
The county’s medical examiner said 15-year-old Dasan “DJ” Jones died from asphyxiation and ruled his death a homicide.
Officers immediately detained Banks at the scene. Police say he became combative and attempted to disarm an officer. According to Mulcahy’s account, Banks allegedly said, “My life is over. Choke me! Choke me! Choke me!”
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
Banks has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, as well as child abuse resulting in death. He is currently being held in jail without bond.
“His position is that he found his stepson dead and he himself was anticipating committing suicide. He wanted to be found with his stepson,” Brown said. “I know it sounds bizarre but we’re talking about some folks with some mental health issues.”
Meanwhile, the family of Dasan buried the beloved 15-year-old high school sophomore on Monday. A friend of Dasan’s createda GoFundMe pageto help with funeral costs.
“This was a young man with a bright future,” said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad during a press conference. “He excelled in academics and was an accomplished violinist. His friends said he was someone who would not hesitate to help others.”
source: people.com
