Felon on Supervision Kills Again After Police Slip

Joseph Banks, a felon with schizophrenia under federal supervision, was fatally shot a man on March 1, 2022, marking his third murder within three months. Portland police had Banks in sight that morning but lost him after following him for several blocks. Tragically, less than 15 minutes later, Banks fatally shot a man standing near a parked car at Dawson Park.

Investigative records reveal new details regarding Banks' capture the following day. While the detective work was persistent, critical lapses in oversight by the U.S. Probation Office are under scrutiny. Leaders in the office twice requested delays in bringing Banks before a federal judge for violating release conditions, citing concerns that apprehension could alert him to the ongoing investigation. The family of Banks' final victim intends to add Portland police to their existing lawsuit, which alleges significant failures by the federal probation office in supervising Banks.