OKC man pleads guilty to wife’s murder, avoids death penalty

After five years, Geneva Jordan’s family has finally received the justice they have long awaited.

On Tuesday, Kendreen Banks, 31, pleaded guilty to the 2020 murder of his wife, Geneva, in exchange for a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Oklahoma County prosecutors had announced they would seek the death penalty at trial. Banks accepted a plea deal to avoid a potential death sentence.

Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna announced the outcome, emphasizing that it would spare Jordan’s family from the agony of a trial.

“This is such a horrible case for so many reasons, but particularly because three children were at home at the time their mother was violently murdered,” Behenna said. “It has been a long five years for Geneva’s kids and her family, and I’m relieved there is finally a resolution.”

Jordan, 29, was found beaten and stabbed to death in her apartment on March 10, 2020. Oklahoma City police made the grim discovery after receiving a call from a concerned family member asking officers to check on her.

By then, Banks had already fled the state. He was arrested a few days later in Denton, Texas.

Jordan and Banks were married for two years. They shared two children, who were just one year and four months old at the time of her murder. As part of the plea agreement, Banks is barred from contacting the children until they each turn 18.

For Geneva’s sister, Cassandra, the guilty plea brings a sense of closure.

“I’m so glad he will never walk free,” she said. “Justice has been served for Geneva, my sister.”

With Banks now sentenced to life behind bars, Geneva’s family hopes her story serves as a warning to others who may be trapped in abusive relationships.

“They do not love you. Actions speak louder than words. Please seek help from family and friends,” Cassandra said. “I promise you; they will love to help you rather than bury you. Don’t be embarrassed to seek help. You are enough.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.