Crime & Safety
Atlanta Man Indicted in Death of Cascade Community Activist
Eric Banks is facing charges that he murdered Barney Simms in April.
Atlanta, GA -- A 17-year-old Atlanta man was indicted Tuesday in the death of a Cascade community activist.
Eric Banks is facing murder, armed robbery and related charges in the shooting death of Barney Simms on April 9.
Police were responding to a person shot call on Connally Drive in southwest Atlanta when they discovered Simms' body in his front yard with two gunshot wounds in his back. Simms' 2006 Lexus was also stolen.
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Banks was quickly identified as a suspect. He was arrested just five days after the murder.
Banks and Simms had been seen together at a Waffle House earlier in the day. Police arrested Banks after his mother persuaded to turn himself in. Banks is claiming self defense in the case.
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If convicted, Banks could face life in prison.
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