WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — A request for a lower bond for a Wichita Falls teen facing the death penalty has been rejected, and he remains jailed on more than $1.7 million bonds.

30th District Judge Jeff McKnight denied Cortez Banks’ petition for lower bonds on his 8 charges in a habeas corpus hearing Friday morning, Oct. 4, 2024.

Banks has also filed a handwritten letter giving notice to his attorney that he denies each and every allegation in the state’s charges, and to file a motion to bar prosecution due to the indictment being filed past the legal deadline.

Banks and his co-defendant, Traquan Eiland, are awaiting trial for capital murder and multiple counts of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.

Jourdyn Jones, 23, was shot twice during an alleged robbery near the intersection of Wichita Street and Calhoun Street on May 28, 2024.

Jones was found in the grass with his sister, who was trying to stop the bleeding.

She and other victims told police two men in hoodies and black ski masks pulled a gun and told them to give them everything they had, and Jones jumped forward to try to get the gun and was shot.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texoma’s Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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