A man convicted of murder, who is also suing the DC Jail, was denied his release for the third time.
Edward Banks pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for the death of 45-year-old Abraham Binn at a homeless shelter on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Aug. 20. Banks pleaded guilty in February.
Judge Juliet McKenna denied Banks’ request for release on May 26, saying the issues for the request — his medical condition — was addressed at previous hearings. The judge said that Banks has not complained about any deficiencies in his treatment.
Judge McKenna also said that the DC Superior Court has made efforts to reduce the jail’s population during the pandemic that upheld with public safety. The statement regards Banks claim of overcrowding at the jail.
His request for release was also denied twice before by Judge Anita Josey-Herring on April 13 and 17. Banks motioned for release because of COVID-19 on March 13, March 31 and May 19.
Banks is a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit against the DC Department of Corrections for intentionally disregarding the health and safety of inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit is currently being heard in the DC District Court.
Banks is scheduled for sentencing on June 26.
