Teen Charged in Community Activist's Murder Claims Self-Defense

ATLANTA, GA -- The teenager charged in the death of a well-known Cascade community activist is claiming self defense.

Eric Banks was arrested last month in the murder of Barney Simms, who was found shot to death outside his Connally Drive home. 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.

During a Tuesday court hearing to decide whether there is probable cause for the case against Banks, the AJC is reporting that Banks told police he felt threatened by Simms.

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Banks is being held without bond on six counts of murder, aggravated assault and armed robbery. A Fulton County judge ruled there was enough evidence for his case to move forward.

Banks, 17, was arrested Thursday afternoon, according to Atlanta police.

Simms, a church and community leader in his southwest Atlanta neighborhood, was foundshot to death in front of his Connally Drive home Saturday afternoon.

Witnesses said they heard gunshots around 4 pm. Simms' body was found in a set of bushes off to the side of the house. The house was unlocked and Simms' black Lexus was missing, but the car was found in East Point around midnight.

Image: Atlanta Police Department