Trial Continues Thursday for Pair Accused of Pasadena Taco Shop Murder

Trial proceedings for Evan Roland Bynum and Dante Dejuan Ward, charged in a fatal 2021 shooting outside a Pasadena taco restaurant, are set for Thursday, April 4, at the Pasadena Courthouse.

Bynum and Ward stand accused of a violent attack that occurred shortly before 9 p.m. on March 13, 2021, in the 2500 block of East Foothill Boulevard. 

The victims, a 23-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, were sitting in a parked car when they were ambushed, authorities said at the time. 

The man, later identified as Bernardo Cortez Velasco from Azusa, suffered several gunshot wounds and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. The female victim, a Duarte resident, sustained minor injuries from flying glass during the shooting but was treated at the scene.

Following an investigation, Pasadena police identified Bynum and Ward as persons of interest “who were likely responsible for the murder.” 

Search warrants executed at several locations in the Southern California area on April 2, 2021, turned up evidence allegedly connecting Bynum and Ward to the shooting. 

Both suspects were arrested and charged with one count each of murder and attempted murder. They remained in custody pending their arraignment, which was rescheduled to April 20, 2021.

Bynum and Ward pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder and attempted murder. Bynum was being held in lieu of $4.09 million bail, and Ward was being held in lieu of $3.14 million bail.

The motive behind the shooting was not disclosed.

The proceedings will commence after 8:30 a.m. in Dept. G. of the Pasadena Courthouse,  300 E. Walnut St.