The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is now offering up to $2,500 in reward for information leading to the location and recovery of the weapon used in the quadruple homicide committed August 5, 2011 at 5366 NW 5th Street, Ocala.
James Edward Bannister, 31, of Ocala, was charged with four counts of Premeditated Murder and for setting fire to the home where the bodies were found. Detectives quickly learned that the victims did not die from the fire, but were each shot at least once.
Upon arrest, Bannister indicated to detectives that he had disposed of the weapon. “We would like to find that weapon,” said MCSO Detective Sergeant Brian Spivey, who led the task force setup to solve this quadruple homicide. “We can’t stress enough how finding the weapon could help in the case,” Spivey added.
The weapon is most likely a .38-caliber or .357-caliber revolver. “It’s a valuable piece of evidence,” said MCSO Major David Sperring, Division Chief for Special Investigations. “The gun is another piece of this puzzle,” Sperring added.
Bannister’s vehicle is locked away as evidence. Detectives are reviewing the sequence events of that night and want any details you may have concerning Bannister’s vehicle – a 1993 dark-colored Isuzu Rodeo. “We are hoping someone saw his vehicle near the scene the night of this horrific crime,” said Judge Cochran, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer.
If you have any details about the missing gun or if you saw the vehicle in the Ocala Ridge community August 5, 2011, call Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-7867 or Sgt.
Read more: http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/marion_alachua/081211-Reward-offered-for-info-on-Ocala-murder-weapon##ixzz1V34btGq4
August 14, 2011
Ocala News