Milwaukee, WI — Amarah “Jerica” Banks, a 26-year old mother from Milwaukee, has been found dead in a garage with her two daughters Zaniya Ivery and Camaria Banks, who were just 4 and 5-years old. It happened just a few days after they were reported missing by their family.
The three were reportedly last seen on February 8, a day after the funeral for Amarah’s 1-year old son Arzel Ivery Jr., who died from asthma complications.
An Amber Alert for Banks and the children were issued on February 15. It stated that they were “missing under suspicious circumstances” and were believed to be last accompanied by Arzel Ivery, Banks’ 25-year old boyfriend.
Ivery was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee after a family member heard him talking about an incident in Milwaukee. Investigators from Milwaukee spoke to Ivery, who provided information that led them to the garage where Banks and her daughters were found.
Ivery is being held in Tennessee on a charge of fugitive from justice without a warrant. He has yet been charged in connection with the deaths. But Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales stated that the incident was a case of domestic violence.
On February 15, Ivery has been issued with a felony charge of aggravated battery, which could be upgraded as soon as the autopsy results are done.
Meanwhile, Banks’ family was devastated by their tragic death. Her aunt, Shilloh Loper, told Fox News, “You have to be a heartless monster to do something like this to someone. I don’t know what to even say, but I know I’ll never get over this. Not ever in my life will I get over this. I will never get over someone doing this to my niece.”