MUSKOGEE, Okla. — A Haskell man was found guilty of murdering his wife, after a trial that lasted several days. Dayan Banks, who was arrested in June 2023, was accused of murdering his wife Tamara Banks, who went missing in 2021. The Muskogee County Sheriff’s office arrested Banks after his wife’s disappearance, and the subsequent investigation shed light on a troubling series of events.
The prosecution revealed that Tamara Banks had filed a protective order against her husband just days before she disappeared, raising concerns about her safety. Tragically, she never showed up to a hearing on the protective order, and her body has never been found. Despite this, the jury found Dayan Banks guilty of murdering his wife, and recommended that he serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“We would like to thank OSBI, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, and all other law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly on this case,” said First Assistant District Attorney Mark Collier after the trial concluded. “Without their investigation, these charges would not have been made possible.”
The conclusion of the trial marks the end of a long and painful process for the family and friends of Tamara Banks. The case highlights the serious issue of domestic violence and the challenges that law enforcement agencies face in investigating and prosecuting such cases. It also serves as a reminder of the devastating impact that domestic violence can have on individuals and communities.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is important to remember Tamara Banks and the countless other victims of domestic violence. The verdict may bring a sense of closure to some, but it is also a sobering reminder of the work that still needs to be done to address the root causes of domestic violence and support those affected by it.