George Banks
Judge Michael P. Conahan ruled on September 8, 2008 that convicted mass murderer George Banks is incompetent to be executed after three days of testimony at Graterford prison. The judge's ruling agrees with three experts who said his illness prevents Banks from fully understanding the sentence or to participate in his own defense.1
Banks killed 13 people in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, including five of his own children on September 25, 1982 and was sentenced to death in 1985.2
Fast Facts
- Was 40 years old at the time of the crime
- Was a prison guard at Camp Hill State Prison in Pennsylvania
- Is incarcerated at Grateford prison in Pennsylvania
- Psychiatric experts for both the prosecution and defense testified that Banks suffers from psychosis1and delusions1
- Prosecutors acknowledged that George Banks is mentally ill but believe his execution should go forward anyway2
Crime Timeline
- September 6, 1982: George Banks was relieved of duty as a Camp Hill State Prison guard after a conflict with a supervisor3
- September 17, 1982: Banks went to the Luzerne County Mental Health-Mental Retardation agency seeking help3
- September 25, 1982: Banks killed 13 people, including five of his children3
- October 19, 1982: Banks was fired from his job at Camp Hill State Prison3
- March 1983: Banks' is determined to be mentally competent to stand trial after a three day hearing3
- June 21, 1983: Banks was found guilty of killing 13 people, wounding a 14th, and additional offenses3
- June 22, 1983: Banks received 12 death sentences and one life sentence3
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