In a chilling case that has shocked the Texas community, J. Banta, a 38-year-old man, is facing capital murder and evidence tampering charges after allegedly slipping a Plan C pill into his pregnant girlfriend’s drink, leading to the death of her unborn child. Banta was arrested on June 6, 2025, following a detailed investigation by law enforcement.
The Crime and Investigation
The tragic incident began in September 2024, when Banta’s then-girlfriend discovered she was pregnant after starting a relationship with him.
Initially, Banta reportedly suggested abortion and offered to purchase the Plan C pill — a drug that is used to medically terminate early pregnancies. However, the woman made it clear that she wanted to keep the baby.
By October 2024, she was six weeks pregnant and had already visited her doctor, where a sonogram confirmed a strong fetal heartbeat and healthy vitals. Later that day, the woman met Banta at a coffee shop to discuss her pregnancy.
Unbeknownst to her, Banta allegedly arrived early, purchased a drink for her, and secretly mixed the Plan C pill into it. She drank the beverage without suspecting anything was amiss.
The following day, the woman began feeling extreme fatigue and noticed heavy bleeding, which led her to seek medical attention at an emergency room. It was there that she suffered a miscarriage.
The woman, suspicious of Banta’s involvement, reported the incident to the authorities. This led to a comprehensive investigation that uncovered disturbing evidence.
Evidence Tampering and Investigation
Authorities began questioning Banta, and a search warrant was executed to seize his cellphone. However, investigators found that Banta had remotely accessed the device and performed a factory reset, which could have erased critical information, such as communications, search history, and transaction receipts. Banta’s background in IT, including his position in the U.S. Department of Justice, raised further concerns about the potential destruction of evidence.
Experts suggested that evidence such as coffee shop surveillance footage, receipts, text messages, and medical records played a pivotal role in building the case against Banta. The Texas Rangers joined the investigation, which led to capital murder charges.
Banta’s Arrest and Legal Defense
On June 6, Banta was arrested and booked into the county jail. He was later released on a $520,000 bond. If convicted of capital murder, he could face a life sentence without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty under Texas law.
Banta’s defense team has strongly denied the accusations, claiming that the charges stem from a “romantic relationship that went awry.” They maintain their client’s innocence and plan to vigorously contest the charges in court, expressing confidence that the truth will emerge and Banta will be cleared of all allegations.
Victim’s Recovery and Support
The identity of the woman involved has not been publicly released, but it is clear that she is receiving continued support as she recovers both physically and emotionally from the devastating loss. The situation has undoubtedly left lasting scars, not only for the woman but also for anyone connected to the tragedy.
The Coffee Shop’s Role in the Investigation
Authorities have expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the coffee shop staff, suggesting that surveillance footage and employee statements were instrumental in the investigation, possibly helping to secure Banta’s arrest.
Banta’s Employment Status
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice has not responded to inquiries about whether Banta still holds his position within the agency. As of now, it remains unclear whether he remains employed there, and further details have not been provided.
Moving Forward
As the case moves toward trial, prosecutors are preparing for what could become a high-profile trial. The primary question will be whether justice can be served for the unborn child who never had the chance to be born, and for a woman whose ability to choose was stolen from her.