The driver in a horrific two-vehicle crash near the Aurora State Airport that killed longtime Portland stand-up comedian Stephanie Patricio in January 2020 has been charged with manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and recklessly endangering, and could face trial later this year.
Alcohol impairment on the part of the other driver, Kelsie Ann Martin, 30, was cited as a suspected factor early in the investigation of the fatal collision last year, which occurred on the Hubbard Cutoff Road (Highway 551) shortly after midnight Jan. 22.
Martin survived the collision but was transported to OHSU by Life Flight helicopter in critical condition. She was released in February 2020 after two and a half weeks at the hospital.
According to online court records, Martin’s indictment for the three crimes — the most serious of which is first-degree manslaughter, a class A felony — was issued on Aug. 10. The warrant was reportedly served Aug. 18, and Martin was released on $25,000 bail the following day.
In October, her bond was ordered revoked by Judge Ulanda Watkins, according to online court records. She was released again on Oct. 20 after posting another $25,000 bond and agreeing to the conditions of refraining from driving and alcohol. She was also ordered to wear a transdermal alcohol monitoring bracelet, court records say.
A jury trial in the case was scheduled to begin March 2 but was postponed. It has not yet been rescheduled. Her next court appearance is a motion hearing on April 12 before Judge Todd L. Van Rysselberghe.
Martin also faces allegations of drunken driving, reckless driving and fourth-degree assault in an unrelated Clackamas County case from December 2018. That case is currently set to go to trial in August.
Martin is being represented in both cases by noted Portland criminal defense attorney Mark Cogan.
Martin’s LinkedIn page identifies herself as the owner of Kelsie Martin Racing and an avid competitive motorsports racer. She has been racing since age 9, the page said, and had participated in over 350 races as of 2015, including winning five national championships.
This story will be updated.
