Man accused of secretly giving girlfriend abortion drug, killing their unborn baby
PARKER COUNTY, Texas (WFAA) - A Texas man is facing capital murder charges after he allegedly gave his pregnant girlfriend abortion-inducing drugs without her knowledge, killing their unborn child.
Justin Banta, who works for the Department of Justice, was arrested on charges of capital murder and tampering with evidence. Court documents say a woman whom the 38-year-old Banta dated for a month told police he arranged a meeting in October 2024 at a coffee shop to discuss an abortion.
Authorities say Banta, who is married to another woman, arrived at the coffee shop early and can be seen on video as he pours something into a light-colored cup and stirs it with a straw. Then, he went to his vehicle to get a plate of cookies covered in clear plastic wrap.
During their meeting, the victim, who was 6 weeks pregnant, reportedly told Banta she wanted to keep the baby. Two days later, she suffered a miscarriage, as confirmed by a review of her medical records. She told authorities a sonogram before the meeting showed a healthy baby.
In a statement to police, the victim said she believed Banta placed abortion pills into the food and drink he gave her at the coffee shop without her knowledge or consent. During their investigation, authorities tested the cookies and learned the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, which are used to induce medical abortions, were present.
Documents say Banta had informed his wife that the victim was pregnant and that he hoped she would agree to get an abortion. He reportedly ordered the same drugs that were in the cookies online.
Police also allege Banta accessed his phone remotely after it was confiscated and erased information.
“These charges that have been alleged by the investigative agencies and the officers are purely fictional at this point,” said Banta’s attorney, Michael Heiskell. “This is a relationship gone bad, and I think the evidence will bear that out.”
Banta was released on bond last Friday, the same day he was arrested. He says he is innocent of the charges against him.
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