Alleged Hit-and-Run Driver to Get Hearing Date in Double Fatal Crash

A preliminary hearing date is scheduled to be set Monday, November 18 at 8:30 a.m. for an Altadena man charged in connection with an alleged double-fatal crash in Pasadena.

Jeffrey Butler, 30, is set to appear in Department H of the Pasadena Courthouse at 300 E. Walnut St. He faces alleged felony counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run driving resulting in death.

Butler allegedly drove a stolen Lincoln Navigator SUV that crashed into a Nissan Versa at approximately 9:17 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2023, at the intersection of North Raymond Avenue and Penn Street.

Antonio Mendoza-Hernandez, 63, of Los Angeles, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second victim, Veralice Yanira Membreno Orellana, 33, of Altadena, died later at a hospital.

Surveillance video captured the moment of impact, showing the speeding Navigator striking the Nissan. Police say Butler fled from the scene on foot after the crash. The Pasadena Police Department’s Traffic Section quickly identified Butler as a suspect.

Butler was arrested on Oct. 19, 2023, outside his Altadena home. Following his arrest, police served a search warrant at his residence. On Oct. 24, 2023, he pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment. He has remained in custody since his arrest and also faces a parole violation charge.