Donta Lashawn Banks, a 29-year-old man, was robbed and fatally shot on March 22, 2016. His life was cut short after an evening that began with the promise of good fortune at a casino. Banks, a devoted family man from Biloxi who worked at an apartment complex, had been gambling at Treasure Bay Casino Resort, where he had a successful run at the slot machines and craps tables.
Unbeknownst to him, he was being watched.
Hubert Patrick Anderson, 39 years old at the time, was seen on casino surveillance footage observing Banks as he gambled. Anderson, who was an acquaintance of Banks, was not seen spending any of his own money. Later that evening, after Banks had cashed in his winnings, he was seen leaving the casino. He was later stopped by a Gulfport DUI officer for speeding but was not found to be impaired and was issued a ticket.
Sometime after the traffic stop, Banks was robbed and shot in the head. His body was discovered on a dirt road in the St. Andrews community of Jackson County. He was still wearing the same plaid shirt, blue jean shorts, and black and red Nike shoes he had on at the casino. While Banks' body was being found, other video footage captured Anderson with a significant amount of cash.
The investigation led to the arrests of Hubert Patrick Anderson and his then-girlfriend, Rita Johnston. They were both indicted on capital murder charges. During Anderson's trial in February 2019, prosecutors presented compelling evidence against him. Johnston, who had taken a plea deal, testified against Anderson. Her testimony, along with DNA evidence from Banks' shirt that matched Anderson's, and surveillance footage, built a strong case. In exchange for her testimony, Johnston pleaded guilty to reduced charges of attempted burglary and accessory after the fact to capital murder, with a recommended sentence of 45 years. The prosecution did not seek the death penalty for Anderson.
