Millard Pleads Not Guilty in Alaska Murder

0:00This is Cory, and here's what is making news across Anchorage right now. A 22-year-old man from Whasilla, Alaska, named Ian Millard pleaded not guilty this week to charges of murdering 18-year-old Ataja Banks. Her remains were found last September off Mousse Meadows Road in Whasilla, more than two years after she went missing. This comes just one year after Millard got out of juvenile detention, where he had been held since age 12 for killing his mother and younger. Brother, back in 2016. State officials say they kept Millard in the McLaughlin Youth Center for as long as the law allowed up to age 19 or 20 in rare cases for serious offenders. They start planning a youth's return to the community right from the beginning of treatment, with monthly check-ins, education, and jaw goals. After release, there's close supervision and support from local agencies during reentry. Banks' families share their heartbreak, calling her a bright and creative young woman who loved painting, poetry, and nature.

1:00They described her as irreplaceable and said, Mildred is dangerous and must face justice as they seek privacy during this tough time. Meanwhile, Alaska's juvenile justice division reports recidivism rates dropping since fiscal year 2012 for kids leaving secure programs. They credit better assessments of individual risks and tailor plans to address behavior issues, though they note reoffending can sometimes be for, lesser crimes. In court, Millard said he had no permanent address but have been staying with his father. The judge set a $500,000 bond along with house arrest and electronic monitoring. His next pre-trial hearing is set for April 10th. Appreciation to a sponsor for backing this episode. Your pillow, your podcast, your moment, made for listening in bed, S-O-L-L-I, solely pillow.com.