Legal system, insurance leave accident victim struggling to fix car

Legal system, insurance leave accident victim struggling to fix car


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SOUTH SALT LAKE CITY — A South Salt Lake man caught in the aftermath of a triple homicide in Midvale last month said he's a victim himself, all because the main suspect in the murder crashed into his car.

David Fresques is the prime suspect in the Feb. 12 shootings in Midvale that killed three people. A couple days following the murders, police said he stole a truck in a South Salt Lake neighborhood and crashed it into Brent Banks' 1978 Lincoln.

Police responded to the accident, and even though Fresques used a fake name, officers recognized and arrested him. Left in the wake: Banks' car, rendered effectively useless.

"It will run, (but) it won't turn," Banks said. "Underneath the steering is all shot."

Car parts were still scattered on Banks' front porch Thursday afternoon. He said, before the crash, the car was the only way he got from "Point A" to "Point B."

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"It's been really stressful. It's been really difficult on me," he said.

Banks can't afford to get the vehicle fixed himself, and he only has liability insurance coverage on the car. Now, even getting to work is tough.

"I have to rely on family," Banks said.

To make matters worse, Banks has been unable to take his wife to physical therapy since the wreck. Aleisa Banks suffered a stroke three years ago, and now she's worried about her health.

"I don't have a way to get to my appointments," she said.

The problem, according to Banks, is getting money to fix his car. Fresques is being held in the Salt Lake County jail for investigation of murder charges, so he can't pay; and the stolen Ford truck that hit Banks' car also carries only liability insurance.


It's still an ongoing investigation; and if that's the case, then I'm pretty much out a vehicle and I still have ongoing issues.

–Brent Banks, accident victim


While the wheels of the criminal process spin to sort out who is liable for what, it seems Banks is left picking up the tab. "It's still an ongoing investigation; and if that's the case, then I'm pretty much out a vehicle and I still have ongoing issues," he said.

Banks has contacted police and the insurance company that covered the truck that hit his car. He now hopes to discuss options with a victims' rights group.

In the meantime, if you'd like to help, a fund has been set up at Brighton Bank, 93 W. 3300 South, under Brent Banks' name*.


*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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Andrew Wittenberg

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