UPDATE: Request for Assistance - Missing Person

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Donna-maria Harris | 919.996.1200 | donna-maria.harris@raleighnc.gov
Laura Hourigan | 919.996.1219 | laura.hourigan@raleighnc.gov

A body believed to be that of William Anderson Banks has been recovered with the assistance of the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office. The body will be sent to the coroner in Roanoke, VA, for autopsy and positive identification.

The information immediately below was distributed at 1:07 p.m. on September 16:

Based on investigative findings, foul play is suspected and the incident is being investigated as a homicide. No charges have been filed at this time.

The information immediately below was distributed at 10:56 a.m. on September 15:

Detectives have charged Justin Fernando Merritt, 34, with robbery, larceny of motor vehicle and possession of a firearm by convicted felon in connection with the stolen vehicle. He was taken into custody in Danville, VA. 

The investigation and search for Banks continues. Anyone with information that may help in locating him is asked to call 911.

The information immediately below was distributed at 4:01 p.m. on September 14:

The Range Rover Sport was located this afternoon in Danville, VA; however, William Anderson Banks is still missing. The investigation remains on-going.

Detectives ask anyone with information that may help in locating him to call 911.

The 911 call recording related to the incident is available at a link below. As required by § 132-1.4 and/or §143-518, information has been redacted from the call and the audio has been altered to disguise the callers' natural voices.

The information immediately below was distributed at 6:41 a.m. on September 14:

The Raleigh Police Department is assisting efforts to locate William Anderson Banks, Jr., 39, who was last seen in the area of Woodburn Road on Saturday afternoon.

Banks stands about 6 feet tall. He was driving a silver 2011 Range Rover Sport, wearing blue Patagonia shorts, a grey shirt with a picture of a mountain on the front and flip flops. His photo is available at a link below.

Anyone who believes they may know the whereabouts of William Anderson Banks or who believes they may have seen him since Saturday afternoon is asked to call 911.