MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A Memphis woman is facing charges, accused of faking her daughter's death and collecting donations from her co-workers for a bogus funeral.
24-year-old Jessica Banks told co-workers a funeral service for her 22-month-old daughter Jaelah would be held at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in West Memphis. When they showed up to pay their respects, her co-workers were shocked to learn that not only was there no funeral, the little girl wasn't dead.
Memphis police say Banks told co-workers at New Breed Logistics that her baby girl died of an asthma attack.
Investigators say Banks told them she lied because she wanted attention, and even created a fake obituary.
Feeling sorry for her, her co-workers decided to take up money for the supposed grieving mother and gave her around $400.
Banks is charged with creating a false impression of death and theft of property. She is currently out of jail on a $100 bond.
