Man Indicted in Area Homicide Case

A Duncanville Texas man has been indicted in connection with an area homicide dating back to 2013.

According to the Bowie County Sheriffs Office on September 9 2013 at approximately 2am, Deputies were notified of a fire at # 8 Hobbs Lane Hooks, TX. Once on scene, responding deputies found Sonjha Banks in the front yard. Her fiancé, identified as Toddrick Eugene Matthews, claimed that he just returned home to find his residence on fire with his fiancé deceased in the bathtub. It was apparent that she had been beaten as she had obvious trauma to her face and head. Investigators believed she died as a result of foul play and that the home had been intentionally burned in an attempt to conceal the murder. The fire extinguished itself and did minimal damage to residence.Toddrick Matthews spoke with Bowie County Investigator Will Buttram and Texas Ranger Jay Womack (retired) during the initial investigation. Authorities say his alibi seemed self-serving and he claimed that someone had robbed his home of a small safe containing $9,000 in U.S. Currency.

A search of the home resulted in a substantial amount of evidence being sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory. Both Ranger Womack and Investigator Buttram left their respective employers and the investigation was taken over by Texas Ranger Todd Martin and Bowie County Captain Robby McCarver. The continuing investigation revealed that Toddrick Eugene Matthews was allegedly responsible for the death of Sonjha Banks.

In cooperation with the Bowie County District Attorney’ Office, the case was presented to a Bowie County Grand Jury. Toddrick Eugene Matthews was indicted for the murder of Sonjha Banks on May 24 of this year.

Texas Rangers conducted surveillance on Matthews’ DFW area residence and subsequently arrested him the next day. He is being held in the Dallas County Jail and is awaiting transport to the Bowie County Jail.

The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office says they sincerely appreciate District Attorney Jerry Rochelle and his willingness to seek justice for the family of Sonjha Banks. The Texas Rangers provided invaluable resources and time in this investigation. The Sheriffs Office says they are truly blessed to have such a good working relationship with their Agency as well as local Ranger Todd Martin.

Authorities say. while they can do nothing to ease the pain of the Banks family, they are certainly proud to provide them some closure.

Categories: Texarkana News