Eddie L. Banks, 46, of Clear Creek, Wisconsin, was found dead in a ditch along Mallard Road on June 16, 2022 after a passerby notified authorities. The Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office determined Banks died of a gunshot wound and classified the death as a homicide.

Investigators identified 36-year-old Philip R. Novak as the primary suspect; evidence and interviews in the Sheriff’s Office investigation pointed to his involvement. It was reported Novak fled the area and may have been headed toward northern Wisconsin or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan before he was taken into custody in Phillips, Wisconsin, on June 21, 2022.

Police say Banks was lured to a meeting under false pretenses that led to the shooting. Charges announced include felony murder and false imprisonment, and authorities continued following leads and conducting interviews to establish the full circumstances.

If anyone has information about Eddie Banks, the meeting he attended, or other details relevant to the investigation, please share it with the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office.