Lesson 2: The Murder of Marilyn Banks
Main Ideas:
- The murder of Marilyn Banks by officer Ferrario serves as an example of police corruption and discrimination.
- The murder of Marilyn Banks stirred many social organizations like the Organization for Black Struggle into action.
What to Know:
On July 16, 1983, twenty-year-old Marilyn Banks was shot by St. Louis police officer Joseph Ferrario while sitting on her aunt's porch. Officer Ferrario was allegedly in pursuit of an armed African American teenage girl at the time, named Laura Wofford. He shot into the suburb where she resided, striking Miss Banks on her side. Miss Banks succumbed to her injuries two days later. Below is a timeline of the murder of Marilyn Banks and the events that followed after.
The African American community came together in outrage over the innocent killing of the young woman, with organizations like the Coalition Against Police Crime and Repression leading the charge. The Coalition of Police Crime and Repression was one of many social movements that filled the vacuum left behind by the Federal Bureau of Investigations unlawful dismantling of Civil Rights organizations in the 1970s.
CAPCR worked closely with another group known as the Organization of Black Struggle and the family of Ms. Banks in order to see that Officer Ferrario was made to answer for his crime. Both organizations held demonstrations, rallies, and protests to urge public officials to stand up for the innocent woman whose murder left two children without their mother.
The Organization for Black Struggle also organized a rally in front of the capital building in Jefferson City for Marilyn Banks. They worked closely with CAPCR to make sure that the family she left behind was given a voice and to gain the attention of those in power. Thanks to their efforts along with support from the community at large. Marilyn Bank's aunt, Delores Jones, and two sons, Antwon D. Banks and Harold B. Clark Jr., were able to sue the Board of Police Commissioners and the Department for $60 million dollars in damages in 1983.
Mrs. Jones and the children were awarded a $496,000 settlement approved by U. S. District Judge Clyde S. Cahill on Thursday, June 21st, 1984. The children were provided the funds through an annuity bought by the city, valued at $126,000. This annuity provided the children with the funds over a period of 20 years with a gradually increasing monthly amount. The children were provided lump-sum payments at ages 18, 21, and 25.
As for Joseph Ferrario, he was indicted and charged with manslaughter by a St. Louis grand jury on August 25, 1983. The next day he was suspended indefinitely from the police force without pay while he waited for the results of his trial. The trial was moved to a Jackson County court in Kansas City with the claim the social-political situation in St. Louis was too tense to be held there. His trial took place on March 3rd, 1984, and he was acquitted of criminal charges.
Two days after his acquittal, a police board hearing took place to determine whether or not he would be allowed to return to the police force. The board hearing was held on March 5th, 1984 which determined that he would be fired due to his negligence and the filing of a false report. Ferrario would attempt to appeal the decision for many years, but it was never overturned.
From Protest to Policy: Understanding Transformative Policy
This is a timeline that demonstrates the lengthy process of transformative policy. Each moment on the timeline represents a significant moment towards this goal.
Activity: Encouraging Conversation
The events leading up to and the outcome of the trial of Joseph Ferrario for the death of Marilyn Banks resulted in uproar in the African American community, with many local leaders and organizations calling for justice. Are there any similarities between this event and other more recent accounts of police racism and corruption? What are some similarities between this event and the ones you came up with?
Want to Learn More?:
Here are some resources you can use to learn more about the case of Marilyn Banks:
Ferrario v. Baer, 745 S.W.2d 193, No. WD 38829 (MO W.D., Ct. App. 1985) Accessed Feb. 17, 2025. https://law.justia.com/cases/missouri/court-of-appeals/1987/wd38829-2.html
“Blacks May Protest Officer’s Acquittal in Death - UPI Archives.” UPI, March 5, 1984. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/03/05/Blacks-may-protest-officers-acquittal-in-death/4254447310800/.
“A Police Officer Charged with Manslaughter in the Shooting... - UPI Archives.” UPI, September 8, 1983. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/09/08/A-police-officer-charged-with-manslaughter-in-the-shooting/8166431841600/.