The Devil You Know
Summary
Host Renee Davis details the horrific crimes of serial offender Lawrence Banks Sr., who abused his family and murdered his son and a friend in the 1990s. Despite receiving only 20 years for two murders due to concurrent sentencing, Banks was released in 2002, changed his name, and continued his violent pattern. The episode highlights systemic failures that allowed him to evade justice, culminating in a 2006 incident where he assaulted his partner’s daughter, leading to a protection order he actively evaded.
Topics discussed
Intro, recent travels, and podcast announcements
Introducing Lawrence Banks Sr. and his criminal history
Early crimes: Assault on wife Vivian and infant daughter
The murder of Vivian Banks and the failed investigation
Post-release violence: Murder of Mike Chisholm and son Lawrence Jr.
Legal failures: Plea deals and concurrent sentences
Rebranding as Malik Samartanay and abuse of wife Patricia
Murder of Lisa Brown and her baby, parole violation
Harassment of daughter Dominique and her children
The murder of Dominique and Lawrence's final sentencing
Reflections on his deceptive nature and recidivism
Outro, listener reviews, and final thoughts
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