Latoya Banks, age 29, was brutally murdered on July 6, 2009, in the south suburban area of Riverdale, near Chicago. The incident was a particularly vicious crime, where Banks was beaten, stabbed, and eventually burned, rendering her body nearly unrecognizable. The attack was reported to be the result of a dispute over money—specifically, a $65 debt that Banks allegedly owed her attackers. Three suspects, identified as Scotty Jobe-Scott, Keith Bassett, and Latoya Laramore-Milons, were charged with first-degree murder following the incident.
The suspects allegedly carried out a premeditated attack, beating Banks until she sustained severe injuries, including her eye coming out of its socket, before stabbing and setting her body on fire. During the attack, one of the suspects played a song titled "Killing the Rats" on her phone, allegedly to cover up the sounds of Banks' screams. Prior to the crime, one of the suspects had also conducted online searches related to murder and burning bodies, which were later used as evidence against her.
Family members of Latoya Banks have spoken about her struggles with substance use, describing her as a lively young woman who loved to sing and dance. Despite her challenges, her father tried to help her overcome her addiction, a battle he was familiar with himself. He expressed hope that by sharing her story, he could inspire others to seek help and avoid a similar tragic fate. All three suspects involved in Banks' death were ordered detained until their trial, with a court appearance scheduled for early January following the crime.
