UPDATE: Funeral services for Tristan Banks will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. at Laurel Land Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6000 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway in Dallas.
An Irving man remains in custody today (Monday, Nov. 26) in the Irving City Jail in connection with the Nov. 21 shooting death of his former roommate.
John Contreras, 40, has been charged with first-degree felony murder in the death of Tristan Banks, who self-identified as a bisexual man. Bond has been set at $1 million.
Although Irving police continue to investigate the shooting, Irving PD’s media relations officer, James McLellan, said the incident apparently began as an argument that escalated to a physical altercation, ending with Contreras shooting Banks.
“They were at one time at least roommates,” although it’s not clear whether the two had been more than just friends, McLellan said.
The two had been out together at a restaurant and then went back to Contreras’ house in the 1600 block of Rusdell Street in south Irving, McLellan said. During the drive they got into an argument, and once they reached the house, the argument escalated into a physical altercation.
Although investigators are still sorting out the chain of events, McLellan said Contreras claims that Banks was hitting him, and that he “retrieved a handgun he had in the house” and shot Banks in self defense.
“Keep in mind that right now, all we have is what [Contreras said about what happened]. There was an autopsy performed, and detectives are waiting on toxicology test results and results from other tests, like a gun shot residue test,” McLellan said. “There is still a lot of forensic work to be done, but at this point, it appears to have been a domestic situation.”
Banks’ sister has started a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral expenses. As of 2:20 p.m. today, the page — at GoFundMe.com/tristan-banks — had raised $2,809 of its $5,000 goal.
This sorry piece of shit did not murder my brother in self defense. It was premeditated. His time line doesn’t even match. My brother Tristan didn’t leave my house until 7:30pm that night. Justice will be served and I can’t wait to watch you rot in prison John! RIP little brother I love you so very much. Tbanks1andonly
if he gets convicted he could get the death penalty
that is what we are praying for!
This is ridiculous!!! It was NOT self defense! He murdered my brother in cold blood. What does it matter his sexual orientation??? They were not in a relationship. The timeline don’t add up my brother was at my house at 7:30 PM that night that’s when he left. I can’t wait to see you rot in prison John! RIP little brother I love you and miss you so much. Tbanks1andonly
Ashley: The Irving PD’s public information officer noted very plainly that the suspect “claimed” it was self defense and that the investigators have a lot of work left to do.
how about you guys get both sides and not just the murders side of the story before you post this garbage!!!
We get the information from the police department.
Condolences and prayers to the family of Mr. Banks. I’m curious, why did Dallas Voice only print the sexual orientation of the victim? I must agree with Mr, Banks’ sister and empathize with her frustrations. Seems to me that balanced and fair reporting would include a statement from Mr. Banks’ family and not just “information from the police department.” Dallas Voice you must do better.
Paul: The Voice’s post is based on information from the Irving Police Department, and from a source who was able to confirm that Mr. Banks identified as bisexual. We have not, so far, had any confirmation on how Contreras identifies.
The Dallas Voice is the LGBT newspaper. We report on events and issues affecting our community and on the people in our community. Noting that Mr. Banks identified as a bisexual man explains the reason for Dallas Voice reporting on his murder. Since being an LGBT person is nothing to be ashamed of any way, there is no reason NOT to note that he identified as bi.
Thank you for agreeing. I have spoke with Irving PD and they have assured me that all of this information is NOT from their report. I also want to make it clear that i understand the target audience for Dallas Voice is mainly for the LGBT community and I have never nor will i EVER have an issue with how my brother identified himself. I feel that where ever you received your information about his sexuality should have also mentioned John’s.
OMG….. Tristan was my Best Friend… I did some Music Work with him
At My Studio before this happened he stayed at my place. Tristan was
Non-Violant… We Text all the Time…I Have app the times and dates when we were going to collaborate Next…
Tritan was Amazing Person… I had his back I since Danger. I prayebd for him…
I got a Text from Danielle the night I was in my Studio….I was Shocked. I Loved him so much I Have all his Music…. I Produce His work
Still…. I’m So Sorry….. I can’t forgive myself… We were supposed to be roommates… He told me He didn’t like his current situation.
I tried to get him a Place. I just didn’t have the Money…… I Cry ? all
the Time…. Miss him