CRIME

Thompkins found guilty of murdering ex-wife and her boyfriend

Duane Barbati
Alamogordo Daily News
Chief Deputy District Attorney Scot D. Key stands next to photos of Phillip "PJ" Banka and Jessica R. Thompkins during his closing arguments in 12th Judicial District Court Tuesday.

ALAMOGORDO – An Otero County jury found Terrick L. Thompkins guilty of the 2015 double-murder of his ex-wife and her boyfriend.

The jury found Thompkins guilty Tuesday of two counts of first-degree murder of his ex-wife Jessica R. Thompkins, 30, and her boyfriend Phillip “PJ” Banka, 33, in March 2015.

Terrick was also found guilty of one count of first-degree felony child abuse (great bodily harm), one count of second-degree aggravated burglary, one count of second-degree shooting at a dwelling or occupied building and three counts of third-degree child abuse.

Previously:Thompkins' murder trial continues on Monday

Terrick is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.

Family members of Jessica R. Thompkins and Phillip “PJ” Banka packed the 12th Judicial District courtroom during Terrick’s seven-day trial.

Banka’s mother Jane Banka said she is extremely pleased with the jury’s verdict.

“This was intentional,” Jane Banka said. “PJ told me for a longtime he was afraid that Terrick was going to kill Jessica because Terrick was a very selfish and self-centered person. Terrick was not anti-social. I hope he rots in h.... We’re very grateful for this jury.”

PJ’s father Phillip Banka said he is also grateful for the jury’s verdict.

“We’re grateful for the quick verdict,” Phillip Banka said.

Terrick Thompkins dressed in the above tactical military gear then fatally shoot his ex-wife and boyfriend with an AR-15.

The state represented by Chief Deputy District Attorney Scot D. Key presented evidence that Terrick Thompkins planned the homicides because Terrick took a .223-caliber AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun and a .45-caliber pistol while dressed in full military tactical gear then drove to his ex-wife Jessica’s home, 1501 N. Florida Ave., the night of March 12, 2015.

During the trial, jurors heard testimony that Terrick was upset over losing custody of his two children to Jessica. Terrick also had a blood alcohol level of .21 percent because he drank an unknown amount of Everclear liquor mixed with soda.

Terrick went to the home of Jessica R. Thompkins and Phillip “PJ” Banka around 9:30 p.m. March 12, 2015 then shot seven rounds from his AR-15 in a “T” pattern then breached the front door.

After entering the home, he fatally shot Jessica in front of two of her children.

Terrick would shoot 32 rounds from his AR-15 .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle during his attack on Jessica and PJ Banka.

Alamogordo Police Department officers found Jessica dead curled up on the floor next to bunkbeds where two of her small children were laying down and awake in one of the home’s bedrooms.

Terrick L. Thompkins, seated far left looks, looks back at the gallery during a break in his first-degree murder trial in 12th Judicial District Court.

PJ Banka had barricaded himself behind another bedroom door with Jessica’s 13-year-old son then played a large part in saving the boy’s life while receiving gunfire from Terrick. The boy was able to climb out of the bedroom window in fear of being shot and ran to a neighbor’s home for help.

The boy was struck by a bullet fragment that barely missed his heart then survived the injury after being treated for his wound.

Key said he is pleased with the verdict on behalf of the victim’s family.

“We obviously appreciate the verdict,” he said. “It’s been a long three years for them. The repercussion for the four children are going to probably be a long haul but we’ve got a good start on them getting counseling and overcoming these things. We’re hopeful for a good future for them.”

During Terrick’s trial his defense attorney Gary Mitchel contended Terrick, who is an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, suffers from PTSD, bipolar disorder and has diabetes.

Mitchel contended Terrick had a PTSD episode the evening of March 12, 2015.

Mitchel said he respects the jury’s decision.

“When our grandchildren write the history of us, they will take us to task as to how we treated the mentally ill,” he said. “Terrick will go to prison and die there. He’ll probably die of diabetes because we won’t lend him the health care he’ll need if he won’t loss total control. It’s the way it is. It’s what our generation does to the mentally ill.”

Jen Dyche who has a son by Phillip “PJ” Banka said PJ is a hero because he helped Jessica’s son to safety.

“PJ was always a very selfless person,” Dyche said. “He had a great heart. He died a hero. He was always about the kids.”

Jessica’s family who attended the entire trial declined comment due to the emotional strain the trial had on them.

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