Cape Girardeau man found guilty in Illinois murder

A Jackson County, Illinois, jury found a Cape Girardeau man guilty Thursday of the first-degree murder of Marsha Brown, 40, also of Cape Girardeau, according to a news release from the Jackson County state’s attorney.

Brandon L. Banks, 30, also was found guilty of three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and possession of a weapon by a felon, according to the release.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning the verdict, according to the release.

Marsha Brown

Banks faces a potential sentence of life in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in about 60 days.

“I think it was well overdue,” Brown’s daughter, ShyAnn Headrick, said. “I’m happy with the results of it.”

A passerby spotted Brown’s body Jan. 14, 2014, in a grassy embankment alongside Potters Road in Makanda, Illinois, according to the release.

Brown’s family last saw her between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 2014, when she left Cape Girardeau en route to Carbondale with Banks and three other people.

Witnesses said the group attended a party at a Carbondale hotel. During the party, Banks and Brown argued, and the altercation became physical. According to the state’s attorney, Brown called 911 and reached the Carbondale police station, reporting she was being held against her will, but she did not know the name of the hotel.

Banks demanded the group leave the party after Brown called police, according to the release.

Banks and Brown continued arguing in the car until Banks became irate. He ordered the driver to stop on Potters Road and everyone to get out of the vehicle.

Once outside the vehicle, Banks shot Brown in the face and twice in her body, according to the release. Banks then ordered everyone back into the car, prosecutors said.

Banks was arrested Jan. 16, 2014, in St. Louis.

Witnesses who were in the vehicle testified against Banks this week, Headrick said. Headrick said Banks was almost like family; he was the father to one of her cousins up until about two years before he shot Brown. Brown and Banks had a bitter falling-out, but Banks came by Jan. 13 looking to patch things up, Headrick said.

“I think it was planned,” Headrick said. “There’s no way you’re fighting for years, and then you kill her the first night you see her.”

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