Year in review: State will take another look at O'Connell case

» Four years later, questions remain

The most publicized death in recent memory in St. Johns County is that of Michelle O'Connell on Sept. 2, 2010. Four years later, it's still in the news.

Numerous investigations - as well as a 2013 New York Times story - into O'Connell's death have pointed in different directions. It's been ruled a suicide, but some members of the O'Connell family believe boyfriend Jeremy Banks, a St. Johns County Sheriff's deputy, is responsible.

The official ruling from State Attorney Brad King, assigned by the governor as a special investigator, was that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Banks.

However, the case received new life when State Attorney R.J. Larizza (the State Attorney for St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties) asked Gov. Rick Scott to appoint a new investigator after a new witness affidavit was brought to his attention.

In the affidavit, Danny Harmon says he is the former owner of The Ring of Fire bar on Anastasia Boulevard. He says that Banks was a frequent customer and was often asked to leave because of excessive drinking and "rowdy" behavior.

Harmon says Banks visited the bar the day after O'Connell's death and heard him say: "That b---- got what she deserved." And: "All she did was make me feel bad. I am not going to let her ruin my life."

Assigned to the case was State Attorney Jeffrey L. Ashton of the 9th Judicial Circuit. Representatives at Ashton's office said they were not authorized to speak about the case. So it's unclear if he will consider just the new evidence or completely re-evaluate the case.

It was a big year for publicity in the case. It was featured on CNN, Headline News, "Dateline" and even "Dr. Phil."