HASKELL, Okla. (TCD) — A jury convicted a 47-year-old man last week of killing his missing 43-year-old wife and burning her remains following a domestic violence incident in 2021.
According to a news release from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), Dayan Banks was convicted on Jan. 29 of first-degree murder and desecration of a human corpse in connection with the death of his wife, Tamera Banks. The jury recommended Dayan Banks serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for murder with an additional seven years for desecration.
Tamera Banks had not been seen or heard from since Nov. 15, 2021, and the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of her disappearance the next day. The OSBI noted Tamera Banks obtained a protective order against her husband following a domestic violence incident that occurred on Oct. 23, 2021. She was scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on Nov. 16, 2021, but failed to show up, which led to her missing person report, KOTV-TV reports.
During a search of the victim’s home, investigators reportedly noticed her dog didn’t have access to food or water, and her phone, medications, and vehicle were still at her residence.
According to the OSBI, on Dec. 14, 2021, agents found a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant registered to Lauren Jackson that they believe was involved in Tamera Banks’ disappearance.
The OSBI and the sheriff’s office determined Tamera Banks had been killed. According to KTUL-TV, officials believe Dayan Banks burned his wife’s body after killing her, but her remains have never been found.
Court documents reviewed by KOTV allege Dayan Banks was having an affair with another woman at the time of his wife’s death. Investigators believe the woman was Jackson, according to the Muskogee Phoenix.
The woman reportedly told officials Dayan Banks became angry with his wife because she wanted to sell his lawn mower, and she allegedly pulled out a gun and aimed it at him.
Dayan Banks’ girlfriend said he fatally shot his wife, placed her body in a horse trough, and burned her remains at a family member’s property in Okmulgee in front of his brother, according to KOTV. The woman reportedly told investigators Dayan Banks dumped his wife’s remains in a plastic tote container and kept them in an abandoned house. An affidavit obtained by KOTV alleges he burned some of Tamera Banks’ remains at a campground as well.
According to the OSBI, officials arrested Jackson in connection with the case, and she pleaded guilty to desecration of a human corpse.
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