Antonio Banks was arraigned Thursday on a manslaughter charge in a Feb. 16 accident that killed a passenger in his car. Banks, 24, walked into Lancaster County Court Thursday on crutches, still healing from injuries he suffered in the accident just east of North 14th Street on Cornhusker Highway.

Police said Banks was driving a Buick west on Cornhusker when he  lost control and veered into oncoming traffic, hitting two pickups.

His passenger, Kelli Martin, 19, died in the accident, and three others besides Banks were injured.

Jessica Eby, 19, another passenger the car Banks was driving, was critically injured. A spokesman at BryanLGH Medical Center West said Thursday she couldn't release information about her condition.

A third passenger, Kayla Uldrich, also was hospitalized, and it was unclear whether she had been released.

Ralph Archuleta, 35, the driver of one of the pickups, also was hospitalized with injuries but has since been released.

Banks suffered a shattered pelvis and arm injuries in the crash, and prosecutors had been waiting until he was released to file formal charges.

Bernie Glaser, his attorney who accompanied him to court Thursday, said Banks had been released from the hospital a couple of weeks ago, then had to be readmitted because of complications. He was released a couple of days ago and agreed to appear in court.

Judge Laurie Yardley set a $50,000 personal recognizance bond on Banks, which means he can remain free as long as he shows up for court appearances. His next court appearance is set for April 7.

Prosecutors allege in court documents that Banks had been smoking crack in the hours before he drove Martin's car.

The documents give the following account:

The four left about 8:20 a.m. for the courthouse because Eby's boyfriend had an 8:30 a.m. court appearance. Martin wanted to drive her car, but Banks argued with her and said he could get them there on time.

Uldrich told police she thought Banks was driving between 80 and 100 mph before the accident.

Reach Margaret Reist at 473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com.

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