Stepson’s Killing Charged To Cop After Custody Dispute: Police

CURTIS BAY, MD — Authorities announced that they on Tuesday charged a Baltimore police officer with killing his teenage stepson after a custody dispute last week in Curtis Bay. Officials identified the victim as 15-year-old Dasan James Edward Jones, also known as DJ. An incident report listed his stepfather, 34-year-old Eric Glen Banks Jr., as the arrestee.

Police mentioned that they found Jones unresponsive on July 6. His body was hidden in the attic crawlspace of Banks' home in the 1400 block of Stoney Point Way, officers detailed.

The stepfather initially said his stepson had already left without taking his belongings, the press release explained. Banks tried to disarm an officer after they found the body, officials informed. Authorities noted that they secured and served Banks a warrant on charges of:

• First-degree assault
• Second-degree assault
• Reckless endangerment
• Disarming a law officer
• Resisting or interfering with arrest
• Failure to obey a lawful order

Police added that they executed several search warrants and found seemingly bloody clothing in a dresser. Investigators shared that they interviewed witnesses and conducted forensic exams of the evidence.

The report indicated that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on Tuesday ruled Jones' death a homicide by asphyxiation, or suffocation. The Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office served Banks the homicide arrest warrant later that day, the release continued. He was already at the Anne Arundel County Detention Center without bond on his previous charges, officials wrote.

Authorities clarified that Banks now faces charges of:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• First-degree child abuse resulting in death

The Baltimore Police Department suspended Banks for an unknown reason before this case, The Baltimore Sun reported last Thursday. The newspaper also disclosed that the agency suspended Banks without pay after officers issued felonious charges.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department asked anybody with information to call 410-222-4731. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing 410-222-4700 or 1-866-7LOCKUP. They can also shield their identity by using the "P3Tips" mobile application or visiting metrocrimestoppers.org.

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RELATED:

• Suspended Cop Accused Of Hiding Stepson's Body In Wall: Report
• Teen Dies After Custody Dispute In Anne Arundel: Police

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