Suspect in Deadly Pasadena Stabbing Ordered to Stand Trial

A man accused of stabbing another man to death in a jealous rage in downtown Pasadena last year was ordered by a judge Tuesday to stand trial for murder in connection with the killing, officials said.

Telly R. Johnson, 42, of Los Angeles is charged with murder for the March 1, 2019, stabbing death of 52-year-old Byron Nettles of Pasadena, according to Pasadena police officials and Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

After listening to a summary of the evidence, a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge at the Pasadena branch determined it was sufficient to order Johnson to stand trial, court officials said.
An arraignment hearing was scheduled for Aug. 12.

The deadly stabbing took place about 9 a.m. in the 100 block of South Euclid Avenue, where Nettles lived, Pasadena police said in a written statement.

Nettles was found suffering from stab wounds and taken to a hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead, officials said.

An autopsy determined he died from “stab wounds of the chest” and the death was ruled a homicide, according to Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner records.

The killer ran away before police arrived, officials said. Officers searched the area, but he was not immediately found. But the suspect was identified through subsequent investigation.

“Detectives diligently continued their investigation and requested the U.S. Marshal’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force to surveil a location in Los Angeles,” the police statement said. Investigators spotted Johnson that night in the 1900 block of Cordova Street in Los Angeles, where he was taken into custody.

Detectives determined Johnson stabbed Nettles because he believed the victim had become involved in a relationship with Johnson’s longtime girlfriend, Pasadena police Lt. Jesse Carrillo said.

Bail for Johnson remained set at $2 million, county booking records show.

Anyone with information on the case can reach Pasadena police at 626-744-241. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.