Oklahoma Co DA Apologizes To Edmond Stabbing Survivor’s Family For Miscommunication During Court Proceedings

A metro family of a stabbing survivor demanded answers from the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office. Last September, a Francis Tuttle student was stabbed in the shoulder. His family said they were never given the chance to speak in court.  

The conviction and sentencing of the man responsible for the incident surprised the victim’s family after they were told the DA’s office would contact them before a sentence was given. They said the call never came. 

“I was trusting the process,” said Khristin Hepner, the mother of Aiden Hepner, a student at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. “We basically have no recourse now. Did not hear from any of [the prosecutors]. Not one word.” 

According to court records, 23-year-old Deshawn Banks was initially charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a weapon on school property. A judge set Banks’s bond at $500,000 but court records show the bond was later reduced to $20,000. On June 28, Banks pleaded guilty to both charges in exchange for supervised probation. 

“It takes a lot to get over something like this,” Khristin said. “These are things I just can’t wrap my brain around.” 

Ten months have passed since the incident, but for Aiden Hepner, time stands still. 

“I can’t even sleep without having dreams where there’s people with knives around me,” Aiden said. 

Behenna’s office released a statement on Friday saying,

“My office strives to abide by Marsey’s Law, including keeping victims and their families informed as their case goes through the court system. Unfortunately, in this case, the ball was dropped and afterwards, I personally apologized to Ms. Hepner. While I regret this occurred, it will be used as a teaching moment for my budding prosecutors.” 

Aiden has struggled with the pain of that incident physically and mentally, but he said the feeling of being forgotten hit a different nerve.  

“We wouldn’t have to come on here and talk to you about all this if they were just honest with us,” Aiden said. “It damages me, and it hurts me.” 

Hepner’s family still wants to meet with Oklahoma County prosecutors in person to discuss how to prevent this from happening to someone else. OKC has a Victim Services Program available to help victims of crimes. For more information on crime victim rights and resources visit the Oklahoma City Police Department’s website.