Last September, Justin Banta’s girlfriend informed him that she was pregnant. He wasn’t happy and offered to pay for an online abortion pill. The woman declined and said she wanted to keep the baby. On October 17th, 2024, in about the sixth week of the pregnancy, she had a sonogram and found the “baby had a strong heartbeat, displayed good vital signs and was said to be healthy by her doctor.”[1] Banta arranged to meet her later that day in a Tarrant County coffee shop.
Banta arrived early and ordered drinks. The girlfriend arrived and consumed the entire drink while they talked. The next day, she reported experiencing fatigue and heavy bleeding; she went to a doctor. On October 19th, she lost the baby and notified the Parker County Sheriff’s Office that she believed Banta gave her an abortion-inducing drug without her knowledge or consent.
Texas Rangers, along with several other agencies, worked the case and viewed video evidence of Banta purchasing the drinks and putting something into his girlfriend’s drink prior to her arrival.[2] Banta was interviewed and said that he knew officers wanted to talk to him about his girlfriend’s miscarriage. He also admitted to purchasing the abortion drugs via his phone. Officers found data on Banta’s phone confirming that he purchased the drug. The phone was confiscated and placed into evidence. Later, law enforcement discovered the phone was reset and critical evidence was deleted. They believed Banta, who is a tech specialist, reset his phone remotely.
Banta was charged with capital murder and tampering with evidence. Why capital murder that carries the possibility of capital punishment? Let’s answer that. According to Texas law, murder is defined as a person who “intentionally or knowingly causes the death of an individual.”[3] Texas law further defines an unborn baby as a “human being who is alive, including an unborn child at every stage of gestation from fertilization until birth.”[4] Finally, capital murder is defined as a person who commits murder, and the victim is under 10 years of age.[5] Authorities assert that by drugging his girlfriend, Banta intentionally or knowingly caused the death of a person under the age of 10. So, capital murder fits.
So, is that a technicality or does it bring clarity to the law? The question boils down to, “Is an unborn baby a human being?” Texas law says, “Yes.” The one big issue in this case is that the mother of the unborn baby didn’t give her consent to terminating the pregnancy. Had she consented and agreed to terminate the baby, it would have been deemed a “medical procedure.” Think about it. This is an example of why LEOs must have a clear understanding of the law. It also demonstrates that, we, as a society, are inconsistent with moral issues.
Bringing Hope to Law Enforcement
The Strong Blue Line Foundation—at no cost to officers or their agencies—brings hope to LEOs with training seminars that help them navigate a myriad of issues they deal with. In the “Moral Injury in Policing” seminar and book, officers learn how to deal with guilt and shame brought on by moral injury. Please partner with us to make strong officers with strong relationships by giving them real hope for complete victory! To help, go to TheStrongBlueLine.org and click on the “Donate” button.
On the Road
Last month and this month, Sherry and I have been blessed to remain at home in Southeast Idaho. We’ve used the time to catch our breath and catch up with house chores, SBLF administrative demands, planning for upcoming events, and writing. In addition, I’ve been busy with counseling, funerals, and local speaking engagements. We’ll hit the road again at the end of September and have events scheduled in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Colorado.
Pray for your police.
[1] (foxnews.com/us/doj-worker-faces-capital-murder-charge-allegedly-slipping-abortion-drug-girlfriends-drink)
[2] (mysuncoast.com/2025/06/12/man-accused-secretly-giving-girlfriend-abortion-drug-killing-their-unborn-baby/)
[3] (Texas Penal Code Title 5, Chapter 19.02)
[4] (Texas Penal Code Section 1.07)
[5] (Texas Peanl Code Title 5, Chapter 19.03)
