Teacher Charged with Capital Murder

A Jackson woman has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the death of 27-year-old Avis Banks of Ridgeland and her Banks' unborn child.

Police say 25-year-old Carla Hughes was involved in burglarizing the woman's home, then shooting and stabbing her in the garage.

Hughes quietly sobbed as she left the Ridgeland Court complex Friday afternoon. In court, she appeared stunned as a municipal judge revealed the upgraded charges against her.

Hughes now faces two counts of capital murder for Avis Banks' death on Nov. 29, as well as the woman's unborn baby.

Ridgeland police say new evidence surfaced Friday that led to the more serious charge. Hughes had been charged with accessory after the fact to capital murder.

Banks was shot and stabbed to death and her throat was cut in the garage of her home. Her fiance, Keyon Pittman, called police that night, saying he discovered the body.

No weapons were found at the scene, but police say they now have the .38 caliber gun that was used. They wouldn't say where they found it.

Hughes' attorney, state Sen. Johnnie Walls, said he has known Hughes all her life and he's not aware of any evidence linking her to the murders.

"My job is to look out for her interests. So my concern would be whether they have evidence to show that she's done anything. And at this point, I don't know that there is any," Walls said.

Police continue to investigate whether anyone else may have been involved and the nature of any relationship between Hughes and Pittman. Both were teachers at Chastain Middle School. Hughes resigned after her arrest.

"We're not sure exactly what his role is in this. We're still trying to piece together what the relationship between him and Ms. Hughes."

Police say they have not ruled out charging Pittman.