According to a report, after nine calls to the police concerning her ex-husband, a 37-year-old mother of three was discovered dead, and her family is suing the city.
On Aug. 8, 2020, Donna, Texas police found her corpse in bushes beside the road. The complaint against McAllen, Texas, claims her neck was slashed.
Ex-husband Richard Ford Jr. is accused of murdering Melissa Banda.
Cynthia Banda, Banda’s sister, sued the McAllen PD for failing to safeguard her despite her repeated calls.
The complaint claims Melissa Banda phoned police nine times between November 2019 and August 2020, alleging Ford threatened, attacked, or violated a protective order.
The complaint stated Melissa Banda told police on Nov. 21, 2019, that Ford was on the way to her house after receiving divorce documents and a temporary protective order.
Melissa Banda told police that Ford choked her on Feb. 28, 2020, and Ford also made threats against their children.
Ford was detained and released the next day.
According to the lawsuit, when the couple divorced in April 2020, Ford was allowed monitored visitation with the children. Ford filed a motion to modify the divorce decree.
A court hearing was scheduled on the morning of August 6, 2020. The complaint claims that Ford visited Melissa Banda at her house hours following the hearing.
Melissa Banda was taken by surprise when he snatched her from behind and threw her into the rear of a white SUV. Banda’s babysitter and neighbors reported her abduction by Ford to the police right after. The McAllen PD had declared her as a missing person.
According to the complaint, Ford was located and detained before her corpse was discovered. Ford was charged with abduction and capital murder using terroristic intimidation.
According to a report, Banda’s estate has requested a jury trial and is demanding compensation for her medical bills, funeral costs, and the emotional pain, mental anguish, torment, and suffering before her death.
Ford entered a not-guilty plea on all charges on March 3, 2021. On January 26, 2024, jurors will be selected, and the trial will commence on January 29, 2024.
