By ANDY GRIMM
Chicago Sun-Times
Deshawn Garrett | Chicago Police
Cook County prosecutors have filed murder charges against two men in connection with the 2016 killing of Eric Banks near his home in the Washington Park neighborhood.
Deshawn Garrett and Deonte Bowdry pulled up next to Banks and a second person on the street about 2 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2016, near Banks’ home on 57th and State, Assistant State’s Attorney Jamie Santini said at a bond hearing for Bowdrey.
Deonte Bowdry | Cook County Sheriff’s Dept.
Bowdry, 28, was behind the wheel of a tan Buick, when Garrett, 21, got out of the back seat and walked toward Banks, firing a handgun, Santini said.
Banks, 25, attempted to run from the “hail of gunfire,” but was struck by a bullet and fell to the ground. Garrett then walked toward Banks, stood over him and continued firing, Santini said.
Eric Banks | Facebook
Banks suffered gunshot wounds to the back of his head, right forearm, ribs and back. Police found 11 shell casings at the scene. Garrett climbed back into the Buick and Bowdry drove off, Santini said. Banks died shortly after being taken to Stroger Hospital.
The shooting was captured on surveillance video, and witnesses identified Garrett as the shooter and Bowdry as the driver of the Buick, Santini said. The title of the Buick was under Bowdry’s name. The prosecutor said Bowdry had taken the car in to have it painted a different color.
Judge Sophia Atcherson ordered Bowdry held without bond Friday on a charge of first-degree murder. A day earlier, Judge David Navarro ordered Garrett held without bond on the same charge.
Bowdry, who limped into court on crutches with a brace on his left leg, surrendered to police when he arrived in court Thursday for an unrelated hearing on a previous charge, his attorney said.