Crime & Public Safety
Crime & Public Safety

Teen accused of killing Barney Simms pleads not guilty

Eric Banks is being held without bond. (Credit: Atlanta Police Department)
Eric Banks is being held without bond. (Credit: Atlanta Police Department)
By Ariella Phillips
Sept 20, 2016

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.

MORE COVERAGE:

Atlanta leaders ‘heartbroken’ over Simms’ death

Teenager claims self-defense

Fulton commissioners honor Simms

About the Author

Ariella Phillips
More Stories

The Latest

Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat leaves a Fulton County courtroom on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Labat filed a lawsuit against the Fulton County Board of Commissioners over control of his budget. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Sheriff showdown: Georgia lawmen’s lawsuits latest salvo in budget fight

27-year-old drowns in Lake Lanier amid birthday celebration

Child struck in Father’s Day shootout between 2 vehicles, Smyrna police say

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC

Brookhaven removes colored glass from City Centre dome after uproar

Some say the colors were too bright, the dome looked like ice cream with sprinkles and the hues distracted from the building’s muted design.

Confederate group sues to stop Stone Mountain’s ‘truth-telling’ exhibit

The Sons of Confederate Veterans allege the park’s changes to its Civil War history exhibits violate state law.

2h ago

Georgia student going to court after being expelled for warning of threat

The middle school student was expelled after he sent messages to friends about a video he'd seen with someone threatening to shoot up area schools.