2nd Victim Dies After Manhattan Beach Crash; Driver Faces 2 Murder Counts

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — A second person has died following a four-vehicle crash in Manhattan Beach that killed a 24-year-old woman earlier this month, prompting prosecutors to file an additional murder charge against the driver accused of causing the collision.

Titus Antolin, 35, pleaded not guilty Monday, Oct. 26, to a first amended criminal complaint containing two murder counts, according to Zara Lockshin, a public information specialist with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The court also increased his bail from $2.13 million to $4.13 million at prosecutors' request, following the second fatality.

The identity of the second victim and the date of their death were not immediately available. Prosecutors confirmed that the person died after the original criminal complaint was filed Oct. 14. The developments stem from an Oct. 9 collision near Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Aviation Boulevard that initially claimed the life of Danielle Antich, 24, and left several others injured, including an on-duty Manhattan Beach police officer.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:12 p.m. and involved four vehicles, including a marked police patrol vehicle according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department. An officer witnessed the initial collision before the patrol vehicle and another vehicle were also struck. Emergency personnel responding to the scene found multiple injured people, with Antich pronounced dead and several others transported to hospitals. The officer sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening.

As Patch previously reported, prosecutors filed five criminal counts against Antolin on Oct. 14, including murder, felony driving under the influence of a drug causing injury and felony hit-and-run resulting in death or serious injury.

The original complaint also included misdemeanor charges of possessing nitrous oxide and driving without a valid license, along with allegations that several people sustained serious injuries. The District Attorney's Office confirmed Monday that the amended complaint adds a second murder count. The updated filing had not yet been provided to Patch.

Antolin, initially identified by police as Antolin Titus, was arrested Oct. 12 after being released from a hospital. His original arraignment was continued at his request on Oct. 14.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 2 in Department 8 of the Torrance Courthouse, when a date for a preliminary hearing is expected to be considered.

The charges against Antolin are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Manhattan Beach Police Department Traffic Officer Gaunt at 310-802-5098.