Man convicted of killing mom, brother at 12 charged in new murder case

Ian Millard pleaded not guilty to charges he murdered 18-year-old Ataja Banks in 2023.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A 22-year-old Alaska man who was convicted of shooting and killing his mother and brother in 2016 when he was 12 years old has pleaded not guilty to charges that he murdered 18-year-old Ataja Banks in 2023. Banks went missing in November 2023, and her remains were discovered in September 2025. Millard was arrested on Friday after an Alaska State Troopers SWAT team found him driving on South Goose Bay Road.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about repeat offenders and the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, as well as the ongoing challenges of unsolved missing persons cases and the impact on victims' families.

The details

Charging documents offered no information on what the connection between Millard and Banks might have been or why authorities suspected him of her death. They do say Banks was killed on or about the same time she went missing. Millard is facing charges that include murder in connection with Banks' death.

  • In 2016, when Millard was 12 years old, he shot and killed his mother and younger brother.
  • Millard spent years in juvenile detention after the 2016 killings.
  • Millard was released from McLaughlin Youth Center when he was 19, less than two years before he allegedly killed Banks.
  • Banks went missing in November 2023.
  • Human remains discovered off Moose Meadows Road in Wasilla in September 2025 were positively identified as Banks.

The players

Ian Millard

A 22-year-old Alaska man who was convicted of shooting and killing his mother and brother in 2016 when he was 12 years old, and is now facing charges for the 2023 murder of 18-year-old Ataja Banks.

Ataja Banks

An 18-year-old who went missing in November 2023, and whose remains were discovered in September 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Our family is devastated by the tragic loss of our Ataja. She was an amazing sister, daughter, aunt, and friend—a bright, bubbly soul whose laughter could light up any room.”

— Ataja Banks' family

“Ian Millard is a dangerous individual who must be held accountable. Our family will not rest until justice is served. We ask for continued prayers, respect, and privacy for our family as we navigate this unimaginable loss.”

— Ataja Banks' family

What’s next

Millard's next court appearance is scheduled for April 10.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of rehabilitating juvenile offenders and the ongoing impact of unsolved missing persons cases on victims' families, raising questions about public safety and the justice system's ability to prevent repeat offenses.