BUFFALO, N.Y. — A California man has been indicted in connection with a fatal crash in Buffalo that killed a 69-year-old woman riding in a cab, the Erie County District Attorney's Office said on Wednesday.
Source: WIVB News 4 — California man accused in fatal crash on Kensington Avenue
James A. Banks, 35, of Antioch, California, is charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and one count of second-degree manslaughter, District Attorney Michael Keane said. The charges are allegations, and Banks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Source: WGRZ — California man charged after fatal crash in Buffalo
According to the district attorney's office, the crash happened at around 12:34 a.m. on August 31 in Buffalo's Kensington-Grider neighbourhood. Prosecutors allege Banks was driving west on Kensington Avenue when he drove through a red light at Grider Street and crashed into a cab.
Source: WIVB News 4
The cab's passenger, Gloria Johnson, 69, died from her injuries, District Attorney Keane said. The cab driver was taken to Erie County Medical Center with minor injuries. Prosecutors also allege Banks was under the influence of alcohol at the time, according to WIVB.
Source: WGRZ — California man charged after fatal crash in Buffalo
If convicted of the highest charge, Banks faces up to 25 years in prison. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial conference on Tuesday, November 10, according to the district attorney's office reporting.
Source: WIVB News 4
An indictment is a formal accusation, not a conviction. Prosecutors must still prove the charges in court, and Banks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
What is solid
- Banks, 35, of Antioch, California, has been indicted on two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and one count of second-degree manslaughter — Erie County District Attorney's Office, via WGRZ and WIVB.
- Cab passenger Gloria Johnson, 69, died from her injuries after the August 31 crash at Kensington Avenue and Grider Street; the cab driver suffered minor injuries — Erie County DA via WIVB/WGRZ.
What is only claimed
- Prosecutors allege Banks ran a red light and was under the influence of alcohol — these are allegations in the indictment, not findings, and remain to be proven in court.