Latoya Banks, 29, was murdered on July 6, 2009, in the south suburban area of Riverdale, near Chicago. Her death was described as particularly violent: she was beaten, stabbed and then burned, leaving her body nearly unrecognizable. Reports say the attack followed a dispute over a $65 debt and included severe injuries such as an eye coming out of its socket. During the assault one of the suspects allegedly played a song called Killing the Rats to cover Banks’ screams, and investigators later noted online searches by a suspect about murder and burning bodies.

Three people charged with first-degree murder are Scotty Jobe-Scott, Keith Bassett and Latoya Laramore-Milons. Family members remembered Banks as lively and fond of singing and dancing, and said she struggled with substance use; her father hoped her story might encourage others to seek help. All three suspects were ordered detained pending trial, with a court appearance set for early January.

If anyone has information about Banks, her last hours, or the people involved, please share what is known with investigators.