Former Pasadena school teacher's murder trial delayed
ARCADIA -- Officials postponed trial Wednesday for a former Pasadena school teacher accused of murdering his ex-wife's boyfriend in Arcadia.
Brandon Landreth, 33, of Pasadena, is charged with the March 30, 2008, shooting death of 25-year-old Justo Cesar Morales at Morales' parents home in the 2200 block of Canyon Road in Arcadia. He is a former John Muir High School English teacher.
Trial was scheduled to begin Wednesday in Pasadena Superior Court, however Landreth was ordered to return to court Nov. 29 for a pre-trial conference, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office spokesman Shiara Davila-Morales said.
A trial date has been set for Jan. 4, she added.
Investigators have said the motive in the shooting is believed to be jealousy over Morales' relationship with Landreth's ex-wife.
Landreth is accused of knocking on the front door of a home where Morales was, and opening fire on Morales as soon as he opened the door, authorities said.
He then allegedly fled the scene on a skateboard.
Citing an allegation that Landreth has made threats against another of his ex-wife's boyfriends, a judge ordered Landreth to be held in lieu of $5 million bail early last year.
When police stopped Landreth while driving three days after Morales was shot, they allegedly found camping gear, extra clothing, $9,000 in cash and other items.
In a search of Morales' home, investigators said they recovered a handgun, ammunition and a piece of paper with the name of another possible intended victim -- a man who has also had a relationship with Landreth's ex-wife.
Brandon Landreth, 33, of Pasadena, is charged with the March 30, 2008, shooting death of 25-year-old Justo Cesar Morales at Morales' parents home in the 2200 block of Canyon Road in Arcadia. He is a former John Muir High School English teacher.
Trial was scheduled to begin Wednesday in Pasadena Superior Court, however Landreth was ordered to return to court Nov. 29 for a pre-trial conference, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office spokesman Shiara Davila-Morales said.
A trial date has been set for Jan. 4, she added.
Investigators have said the motive in the shooting is believed to be jealousy over Morales' relationship with Landreth's ex-wife.
Landreth is accused of knocking on the front door of a home where Morales was, and opening fire on Morales as soon as he opened the door, authorities said.
He then allegedly fled the scene on a skateboard.
Citing an allegation that Landreth has made threats against another of his ex-wife's boyfriends, a judge ordered Landreth to be held in lieu of $5 million bail early last year.
When police stopped Landreth while driving three days after Morales was shot, they allegedly found camping gear, extra clothing, $9,000 in cash and other items.
In a search of Morales' home, investigators said they recovered a handgun, ammunition and a piece of paper with the name of another possible intended victim -- a man who has also had a relationship with Landreth's ex-wife.
CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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