Geneva Arson Suspect Held Without Bond as Dog Death Toll Reaches 15

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A judge in Seminole County ordered a Geneva man held without bond Tuesday, one day after investigators said he intentionally set fire to his home while more than a dozen dogs were inside.

Terrance Banks, 40, appeared before a judge for the first time as crews from Seminole County Fire, Animal Services and the Sheriff’s Office continued searching the charred remains of the home.

News 6 observed crews removing what appeared to be the remains of dogs from the debris. A Seminole County spokesperson later confirmed that seven additional dog bodies had been recovered, raising the number of animals killed in the fire to 15.

Banks has been charged with animal cruelty and arson.

At Tuesday’s first appearance, Banks’ attorney, Richard Hornsby, said his client may have been experiencing a mental health crisis when the fire occurred.

“It’s not mentioned in the police report but based on my discussion with a witness who was present, there was much discussion about my client have had some hallucinations and mental health issues,” said defense attorney Richard Hornsby, who appeared virtually Tuesday.

Hornsby told the court he was concerned about Banks’ mental condition and asked that he undergo a professional evaluation.

Prosecutors said they also considered Banks a potential danger to himself and the community.

FIND OUT MORE: American Idol Contestant Caleb Flynn Found Guilty of Wife’s Murder

The judge ordered Banks to remain jailed without bond, at least until he receives a mental health evaluation at the jail.

News 6 also reviewed court records from 2021, when Banks was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery. The complainants, identified as Banks’ parents, described what they said was a pattern of erratic and physical behavior. They alleged that Banks once threatened to burn down their home.

Following Banks’ first court appearance, Hornsby sent News 6 the following statement by text:

“As mentioned at the first appearance, Mr. Banks suffered from a serious mental health episode that resulted in his conduct.

For reasons I don’t understand, even though law enforcement was made explicitly aware of this information during their investigation, they inexplicably omitted any mention of it in the arrest report and if not brought to the court’s attention would have resulted in jail personnel and the court not taking appropriate mental health intervention.

As we work towards a resolution to the case, we will take steps to stabilize and get Mr. Banks the mental health treatment he needs.”