(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. — A 35-year-old California man has been indicted on charges including aggravated vehicular homicide and manslaughter in connection with an August crash in Buffalo’s Kensington-Grider neighborhood that killed a 69-year-old taxi passenger.

According to Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane, James A. Banks, of Antioch, California, was arraigned October 21, 2026, before Erie County Court Judge Jessica Kulpit.

Banks faces two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, Class B felonies, and one count of manslaughter in the second degree, a Class C felony.

Prosecutors allege the crash occurred at approximately 12:34 a.m. on August 31, when Banks was driving westbound on Kensington Avenue and ran a red light at Grider Street.

His vehicle allegedly collided with a taxi. The taxi driver was transported by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center, treated for minor injuries and released. The taxi’s rear passenger, 69-year-old Gloria Johnson, died from her injuries.

Authorities allege Banks was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.

Banks remains held without bail after prosecutors requested that he be remanded.

He is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial conference on November 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. If convicted of the highest charge, Banks faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Erie County District Attorney’s Office Vehicular Crimes Bureau.

Keane also credited Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit officers Corey Krug, Mark Andrzejak, Andrea James and Jason Heidinger for their investigative work. Victim advocate Cathy Mitchell was also recognized for her assistance.

Banks is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.