Eric Banks, a 25-year-old Black male, was fatally shot on September 21, 2016, near his home on East 57th Street and State in Chicago. The attack occurred around 2 p.m. when two men, identified as Deonte Bowdrey and Deshawn Garrett, pulled up next to Banks and another individual in a tan Buick. Garrett, 21 years old at the time, exited the vehicle and opened fire on Banks, who attempted to flee but was struck by multiple bullets.
Garrett then approached Banks, stood over him, and continued shooting. Banks suffered gunshot wounds to the back of his head, right forearm, ribs, and back. Police recovered 11 shell casings at the scene. He was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting was captured on surveillance video, and witnesses identified Garrett as the shooter and Bowdrey, 28 years old at the time, as the driver of the Buick. Authorities later discovered that the vehicle was registered under Bowdrey’s name and that he had attempted to have it repainted. Bowdrey was arrested when he arrived at court for an unrelated hearing. Garrett was also taken into custody, and both men were charged with first-degree murder. Judge Sophia Atcherson ordered Bowdrey to be held without bond, while Judge David Navarro issued the same ruling for Garrett.
