Murder Suspect Back in Pasadena Courtroom for Pretrial Hearing Thursday

Telly R. Johnson, the Los Angeles man accused in the 2019 stabbing death of a local supportive housing manager in downtown Pasadena, is scheduled to appear Thursday morning for a pretrial hearing in Department F of the Pasadena Courthouse.

Johnson, 44, faces murder charges in the killing of Byron Young Nettles, 52, who managed the Euclid Villa Transition Housing complex for families transitioning out of homelessness. The hearing, set for 8:30 a.m. at 300 E. Walnut Street, marks the latest development in a case that has been repeatedly delayed amid pandemic-related court backlogs.

The fatal stabbing occurred on March 1, 2019, at approximately 9:05 a.m. in the 100 block of South Euclid Avenue. Pasadena police responded to reports of an altercation and found Nettles with multiple stab wounds to the face and chest. He died later that day at Huntington Memorial Hospital at 3:52 p.m. from chest injuries.

Investigators allege the attack stemmed from jealousy over a perceived relationship between Nettles and Johnson’s longtime girlfriend. Witness Elizabeth Jacobs described a confrontation in which Nettles reportedly told Johnson, “I can’t help her, she’s a drug addict. I don’t have the power to help her.” Police say Johnson used a switchblade in the assault and faces an additional knife use allegation.

Following the attack, Johnson fled from the scene, prompting an hours-long citywide manhunt that included helicopter surveillance, K-9 units, and a lockdown at nearby Mayfield Junior High School. Residents were ordered to shelter in place until 2:30 p.m.

Johnson was arrested without incident later that evening at 9:25 p.m. in the 1900 block of Cordova Street in Los Angeles by the U.S. Marshal’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. A pocketknife recovered during the arrest was tested for forensic evidence.

Johnson was formally charged on March 6, 2019, and pleaded not guilty one week later. He remains in custody with bail set at $2 million. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison.

Nettles was widely regarded as a compassionate advocate for residents overcoming addiction and homelessness. He lived at the Euclid Villa complex and also managed an apartment building for recovering addicts. Residents described him as a father figure who played Santa at Christmas, helped children with chores and rewards, and was “just so helpful to everybody.” He graduated from Washington Preparatory High School and was known for his dedication to community service.

His death left a lasting impact on the families he served. Nettles is survived by his wife, T-Shawn Demethris, a 21-year-old son, and a teenage daughter. A memorial Facebook page, “Remembering Byron Young Nettles Sr.,” was created by Demethris and family friend Sensational Unique to honor his legacy.

Thursday’s hearing is expected to address pretrial motions and scheduling as the case continues to move toward trial. Johnson remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.