The teenager accused of killing Atlanta Housing Authority executive Barney Simms pleaded not guilty Tuesday.

Eric Banks, 17, is accused of murdering the community and civil rights activist outside his home in April. Banks met Simms at a Waffle House before he was killed. Banks told police he shot Simms because he came on to him, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Banks is also charged with robbery. Prosecutors say that was the initial motive, as Banks stole Simms’ credit cards, car and television.

Banks’ mother urged her son to come forward, and he was arrested five days after the shooting.

The teen is being held without bond.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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