Banks Health Update

Back in 1982, George Banks was convicted of killing 13 people in the Wilkes-Barre Area...including some of his own children. Banks` execution has been "put off" several times by appelate courts. Now there is word that Banks has a nasty skin cnditon, that he has lesions over 90 percent of his body. The court has to decide whether he poses a risk to anyone else by coming to a competency hearing late this month. His defense lawyers say Banks should not be put to death --period. Atty. Al Flora, Banks` Lawyer says "He`s got a severe mental illness, it`s clear from the medical records. He views that there is some type of demon attacking him and that`s which causing this skin condition..there`s clear evidence of paranoia as evidenced in the medical records." But prosecutors, led by District Attorney Dave Lupas says he`s not surprised by the latest twist in the Banks case.. Dave Lupas, Luzerne Co. District Attorney "It`s been in excess of 20 years I believe I`m the 6th District Attorney in office since murders took place. As we`ve said all along this has made its way through the system up and down,through many courts,federal and state and the U.S. Supreme Court..probably won`t be last step given past history of case." A dermatologist will vists banks at graterford prison..possibly as soon as tomorrow.. The competency hearing is set for October 24th, that could change. Again, by law..a person cannot be put to death if he is deemed "incompetent". If he doesn`t understand what is happening.. We`ll keep you posted