US Official Accused of Killing Girlfriend with Abortion Drug
DOJ Employee Charged with Capital Murder for Spiking Pregnant Girlfriend’s Coffee with Abortion Drug
A U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) employee has been charged with capital murder after allegedly administering abortion drugs to his pregnant girlfriend without her knowledge, leading to the loss of the pregnancy.
Justin Anthony Banta, 38, an IT specialist with the DOJ, is accused of secretly lacing his girlfriend’s coffee with “Plan C” abortion pills during a meeting in October 2024.
The Parker County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) in Texas announced the charges in a statement released this week.
According to investigators, the couple learned about the pregnancy in September 2024. While Banta reportedly offered to purchase and use abortion-inducing pills sourced online, his girlfriend declined, expressing her intent to carry the pregnancy to term.
On October 17, the woman underwent a sonogram that confirmed the fetus was healthy, with a strong heartbeat and stable vital signs at six weeks. Later that day, she met Banta at a local coffee shop.
Shortly after consuming the beverage he provided, she began to feel unwell and grew suspicious that her drink had been tampered with.
The following day, she experienced heavy bleeding and sought emergency medical attention, where she was informed she had miscarried. She then reported her suspicions to law enforcement.
During the investigation, Banta was interviewed by PCSO detectives.
Authorities obtained his mobile phone as part of the inquiry, but say he performed a remote factory reset on the device, effectively erasing critical evidence.
As a result, Banta now faces an additional charge of tampering with physical evidence.
While the capital murder charge was filed by the Texas Rangers in Tarrant County, officials have not disclosed the specific penalties Banta may face.
However, under Texas law, capital murder is the only offense eligible for the death penalty.
The case has drawn sharp attention due to the severity of the charges and the alleged use of technology to obstruct justice.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
US Official Accused of Killing Girlfriend with Abortion Drug