• DOJ IT employee Justin Banta is charged with capital murder for allegedly slipping abortion pills into his pregnant girlfriend’s coffee without her consent.
• The woman suffered a miscarriage the next day after experiencing severe bleeding and later reported the incident to law enforcement.
• Banta is also charged with tampering with evidence after allegedly performing a remote reset on his phone to erase potential digital proof of the crime.

A chilling case unfolding in Texas has sent shockwaves across the country. A man employed by the U.S. Department of Justice is now facing a capital murder charge, accused of secretly ending his girlfriend’s pregnancy by slipping abortion pills into her coffee. The shocking betrayal, layered with heartbreak and deceit, has left the public stunned—and raised serious questions about trust, consent, and justice.

A Pregnancy Turned Tragic

It all began in September 2024 when the couple—whose relationship had reportedly been serious—discovered they were expecting a child. According to investigators, 38-year-old Justin Anthony Banta, an IT specialist at the DOJ, didn’t share in the excitement. While his girlfriend embraced the news with joy, Banta allegedly pressured her to end the pregnancy.

He reportedly suggested using “Plan C” pills—abortion-inducing drugs that can be bought online. She declined. She made it clear that she wanted to keep the baby.

Despite their disagreement, the relationship appeared to continue. The woman, who remains unnamed for her safety and privacy, went forward with prenatal care. On October 17, she received a sonogram. The scan showed promising results: a strong heartbeat and no signs of complications. The six-week-old fetus appeared healthy.

Later that day, she met Banta at a coffee shop. It should have been a simple, routine meeting. But after sipping the coffee he handed her, she felt something was wrong. According to the Parker County Sheriff’s Office, the woman quickly began to suspect her drink had been tampered with.

A Devastating Outcome

Her suspicions turned into a nightmare. By the next morning, she was in the emergency room suffering from severe bleeding. Doctors confirmed the miscarriage. Her pregnancy had ended abruptly, and painfully. Still reeling from the loss, the woman soon connected the dots and contacted authorities.

She told investigators she believed Banta had secretly put abortion pills in her drink. The story she told was harrowing—but what came next shocked even seasoned law enforcement officers.

An Investigation Uncovers a Disturbing Twist

As part of the investigation, the Parker County Sheriff’s Office brought Banta in for questioning. They also took his phone, which could have contained evidence of online orders or messages related to the alleged crime. But before investigators could extract the data, something suspicious happened.

According to deputies, Banta used his technical knowledge to perform a remote “reset” on the device. The reset wiped key data from the phone, potentially erasing digital proof of the alleged plot.

This maneuver earned him a second charge: tampering with physical evidence. While that charge alone would be serious, the primary accusation—capital murder—has drawn far more attention. The Texas Rangers officially filed the murder charge in neighboring Tarrant County.

What Happens Next?

The charge of capital murder is the most severe in Texas law. It’s reserved for only the gravest offenses and is the only charge that can lead to the death penalty. Prosecutors have not yet confirmed whether they will seek capital punishment, but the charge itself sends a clear message about the seriousness of the case.

Banta, who is now in custody, has not publicly commented. Nor has the U.S. Department of Justice. The silence from the federal agency has sparked frustration among some members of the public who are demanding accountability and transparency.

A Wave of Public Outrage

News of the case has ignited outrage online and in communities across the state. Many are horrified by the idea that someone could secretly force an abortion on a woman, especially after she had made it clear she wanted to keep the child.

Women’s rights advocates have called the alleged act not just immoral, but a form of reproductive violence. “This isn’t about politics. This is about control and betrayal,” one Texas-based advocate posted on social media. Others have echoed her sentiment, calling for stronger protections for pregnant women against partners who may use coercive tactics or, in this case, dangerous substances.

Many have also voiced concern about the lack of federal oversight over “Plan C” pills, which are often purchased online without a prescription. Some lawmakers are now pushing for tighter regulations around access to such medications.

Legal, Ethical, and Personal Consequences

The emotional fallout for the woman at the center of this case is immeasurable. She not only lost a pregnancy she wanted but also experienced a devastating betrayal by someone she trusted. If the charges hold, her former partner’s actions were not only deceptive but criminally violent.

Meanwhile, legal experts are watching the case closely. Texas law allows for a fetus to be considered a murder victim under certain circumstances, which is why the capital murder charge is possible in this case. Banta’s role as a DOJ employee only heightens public interest in how the case will be handled.

If convicted, Banta could spend the rest of his life in prison—or face execution. Either way, the case has already carved itself into the public consciousness as a horrifying reminder of how technology, trust, and medicine can dangerously collide.

Moving Forward: A Call for Justice

As the investigation continues, many are hoping for justice—not just for the victim who lost her child, but for others who might be vulnerable in similar relationships. The case is a painful example of how reproductive decisions can be weaponized in abusive dynamics, even among well-educated, seemingly stable individuals.

For now, the community in Parker County waits for answers. But the conversation around consent, trust, and the misuse of medical tools is far from over. This case has already changed how many view online abortion pills, digital privacy, and personal autonomy.

One woman’s devastating experience has now become a legal battle with national implications—and the world is watching.