Pasadena Man Charged With Murder In Stolen Tesla Hit And Run

PASADENA, CA — An alleged Tesla thief accused of killing a motorcyclist in a hit-and-run crash in Pasadena pleaded not guilty Monday to murder and vehicular manslaughter charges.

Donte Antoine Fox, 21, of Pasadena, also faces one felony count each of hit-and-run driving resulting in death, grand theft of an automobile and driving or taking a vehicle without consent in the death Oct. 6, 2016, of 60- year-old Oscar Chavez.

Fox, who remained at large until his arrest last month, is due back in court on Aug. 14, when a date is expected to be set for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

The complaint filed June 25 alleges that Fox was convicted in 2016 of first-degree residential burglary.

Fox allegedly stole a Tesla Model S 85D before crashing it into Chavez, who died at the scene.

Fox is jailed in lieu of bail of more than $2.1 million and, if convicted as charged, faces more than 36 years to life in prison.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock