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A man accused of killing his girlfriend in Beaver County last week appeared before a judge Thursday.
Staring at the wall, Jason Banks Jr. was silent as he headed into court to face murder charges in the death of Triona Washington.
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“I think it was harder for him to come in there and confront us than it was for us to confront him. I think it was harder for him to confront us than it was for us to confront him. My daughter was not afraid of him and that's what drove him crazy and ultimately led to her death,” said Trey Ellis, Washington's father.
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Ellis maintains that his 20-year-old daughter was a victim of domestic violence.
“My daughter is able to face any situation with courage like the heroes of ancient times, and that is ultimately part of the reason we are here,” Ellis said.
In court Thursday, the commonwealth played a Ring doorbell video of Banks and Washington in an altercation hours before her death that shows Banks pushing her down the stairs.
Banks' roommate was the last person seen with the two after the fight broke up. He testified that Banks led them into an alley and as he turned his back he heard a gunshot and saw Washington fall.
He testified that Banks had ordered him not to tell anyone. The defense argued that his roommate had not been charged and had not brought all the charges against Banks, but the judge reserved all the charges for trial, and the family breathed a sigh of relief.
“I think Triona would be really proud to see us together, co-parenting, fighting to make sure that we stand here together and make sure that our child gets fair treatment and the justice that she deserves,” Ellis said.
Banks' roommate testified that he never saw a weapon, but said there was no one else in the alley with them.
The banks are due back in court in October, and a trial is scheduled for next year.
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