This week, four high-profile Pasadena court cases are scheduled to move forward in various Los Angeles Superior Court courtrooms.
Monday, December 13, 8:30 a.m. Trial for Armando Hernandez
Armando Hernandez, 20, of Pasadena, is charged with first-degree murder with enhancements for committing the act for the benefit of or in association with a criminal street gang, in connection with the shooting death of Pasadena resident Sergio Luevanos, 38, on July 24, 2017.
He was charged along with another suspect, Luis Eduardo Figueroa.
Pasadena police records show officers responded to a call regarding gunfire in the area around 11:30 p.m. Upon arriving on site, officers found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. He was transported to a hospital, where he died at 12:16 a.m. the next day.
Police said the attack was sparked by a gang rivalry.
The hearing will be held at the Alhambra Courthouse, at 150 W. Commonwealth Ave.
Tuesday, December 14, 8:30 a.m. Pretrial Hearing for Alberto Fernandez
Alberto Fernandez, 21, of Victorville, is charged in a hit-and-run crash in Pasadena on Nov. 13 that killed a 64-year-old man. Authorities claim Fernandez was allegedly driving the vehicle that struck the victim at about 9 p.m. at the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Marengo Avenue in Pasadena.
Fernandez reportedly fled the scene but was later arrested by CHP officers in Monrovia. He remains in custody.
The hearing will be at Department C of the Pasadena Courthouse.
Wednesday, December 15, 8:30 a.m. Preliminary Hearing Date Setting for Valentino Gutierrez
Valentino Gutierrez, 60, a homeless man, is charged with one count each of murder for allegedly killing his wife in February 2019 and arson of property. He also is accused of using an accelerant.
Gutierrez was arrested on February 2, 2019 near Central Park in Pasadena by a large contingent of Los Angeles police, after firefighters and police discovered the remains of his wife burning in a Los Angeles Home Depot parking lot.
Gutierrez pleaded not guilty during his arraignment February 15, 2019. He is currently in custody with bail set at $2.17 million.
If convicted as charged, Gutierrez faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.
The hearing will be at Department J of the Pasadena Courthouse.
Wednesday, December 15, 8:30 a.m. Trial-readiness Hearing for Jose Antonio Santiago
Jose Antonio Santiago, 69, of Pasadena, is charged with murder for allegedly fatally stabbing one man and injuring another in Pasadena in the early morning of September 12, 2018.
He allegedly used a knife and inflicted great bodily injury on the victim, Jerry Chan, 42, who was stabbed at about 1:30 a.m. in the 2600 block of Colorado Blvd.
Chan died in a hospital hours later, while another victim, Dan Trevino, 32, survived after treatment.
Santiago pleaded not guilty to the charges on October 18, 2018. He is currently in custody, with bail set at $3 million. He could face life in prison if convicted as charged.
The trial will be in Department E of the Pasadena Courthouse.
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