Atlanta Mother Charged With Murdering 2-year old Daughter

Shandrell Banks, a 29 year old Atlanta mother of three, was charged with the murder of her 2 year old daughter, Nateyonna just five months after the child was returned to Banks' custody. Prior to July the toddler was in state custody and had been living with her aunt following her mothers latest arrest. After being returned to the care of her mother family members contacted DFCS (Department of Family and Children Services) repeatedly out of concern for the child's safety and welfare complaining that Shandrell Banks was suffering from depression and not properly caring for her children.

On November 8th, Nateyonna Banks was admitted to Hughes-Spaulding Children's hospital and 24 hours later she was pronounced dead. After the medical examiner reviewed the child's body it was determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma which led to an investigation. Eventually the investigation led to the arrest of Shandrell Banks on November 29th and in addition to one count of murder Banks has been charged with one count of cruelty to children.

The incident has sparked local interest in the current policies and procedures as it recently came to light that the toddler was returned to her mother after DFCS made a recommendation. Now that this recommendation has ended in a tragic death questions surrounding DFCS' decision considering Shandrell Banks history are being raised along with concern at the lack of follow up care that the manner was given following complaints from Banks' own family members. DFCS' is starting their own investigation to the events preceding Nateyonna's return to her mothers care and now, regardless of the current situation, Shandrell Banks' two remaining sons are now being cared for by DFCS.