Army offers $25,000 reward for information in death of ROTC student
By Jon Simkins
Friday, May 12
The Army Criminal Investigation Division is offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible in the shooting death of Cadet Joseph Banales, a senior ROTC student at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, CID officials announced.
Banales, 22, was reportedly driving home from a military ball the night of April 15 when it is believed he became involved in a road rage incident along IH-35 near Selma, his family told local news outlet KENS 5. A subsequent autopsy confirmed Banales died from a gunshot wound to the head.
A suspect has yet to be identified, but Selma Police did spot a vehicle of interest “driving erratically near the crime scene,” the Army CID release stated. “The vehicle, believed to be a Nissan 350Z or 370Z, is a dark-in-color, possibly blue, sports car, with loud aftermarket exhaust and possibly a spoiler.”
Army CID officials are collaborating with the Selma Police Department in the investigation, the release said. Anyone with credible information is encouraged to call the Army CID at 210-221-1050 or the San Antonio Crime Stoppers, who are offering up to a $5,000 award, at 210-224-7867. Anonymous tips can also be submitted on the Army CID website.
Additional information will not be immediately available, officials said, citing the ongoing investigation.
Army offers $25,000 reward for information in death of ROTC student