A Manhattan Beach crash that killed 24-year-old Danielle Antich on Oct. 9 has claimed a second life, and prosecutors have responded by filing a second murder charge against the driver accused of causing the wreck. Michael Antich, 26, Danielle's brother, died at a hospital from traumatic injuries on Oct. 17, eight days after the four-vehicle collision near Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Aviation Boulevard.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner attributed Michael Antich's death to traumatic injuries suffered in the crash, according to Daily Breeze. Danielle and her twin sister Nicole were driving home when their vehicle was struck, according to a GoFundMe created by Nicole, cited in the same report. Danielle died at the scene, while her brother fought for eight more days before succumbing to his injuries.
Driver Now Faces Two Murder Counts
Prosecutors filed a second murder charge against 35-year-old Antolin Titus following Michael Antich's death, adding to a case that already included murder, DUI, reckless driving, possession of nitrous oxide and driving without a valid license, police said. The amended complaint adding the second murder count was filed on Oct. 26, per the Daily Breeze report. Titus pleaded not guilty to the amended complaint, which now contains two murder counts, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, as reported by Patch.
Patch's report notes that prosecutors initially filed five criminal counts against Titus on Oct. 14, including murder, felony DUI involving drugs and felony hit-and-run resulting in death or serious injury. The original complaint also included misdemeanor nitrous oxide and unlicensed-driving charges; the amended complaint later added the second murder count. Bail figures have been reported inconsistently: Patch's account puts the increase at $2.13 million to $4.13 million, while the Daily Breeze reports Titus' initial bail at $2.1 million and his bail following the second murder charge at $4.1 million, set at prosecutors' request.
How the Crash Unfolded
The crash happened at approximately 10:12 p.m. on Oct. 9 and involved four vehicles, including a marked Manhattan Beach police patrol vehicle, per Patch's reporting. An officer witnessed the initial collision, in which Titus allegedly hit another vehicle, sending both careening into the officer's SUV and a fourth vehicle, according to the Daily Breeze. The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and the collision remains under investigation, Patch has reported separately.
Titus was arrested on suspicion of murder and other charges on Oct. 12, the Daily Breeze reported at the time. Patch reported that he had been released from a hospital before his arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 2 in Department 8 of the Torrance Courthouse, according to Patch. The allegations against him have not been proven in court, Patch has noted.
Remembering the Antich Siblings
Danielle Antich lived in Hermosa Beach and was the youngest of the Antich siblings, born one minute after her twin sister Nicole. She had graduated from California State University, Northridge with a journalism degree. Her brother Michael had graduated from Loma Linda University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program this year and aimed to work as a pediatric or acute care physical therapist, according to the GoFundMe cited by the Daily Breeze.
