Suspect in Pasadena couple’s stabbing deaths charged with murder

A 29-year-old man suspected of stabbing to death a Pasadena culinary school instructor and his wife inside their apartment was charged Wednesday with two counts of capital murder.

The charges against Jacob Bersson come with a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders in the deaths of 50-year-old Lawrence Bressler and his wife, Denise Bressler, 64.

Friends said Lawrence Bressler had recently taken Bersson, his cousin, into his home to help him.

Lawrence Bressler was an instructor at Le Cordon Bleu and the director of operations at Chefs Center, a restaurant incubator that helps launch eateries and provides kitchen space for up-and-coming chefs.

Prosecutors said that on Monday morning, Bersson allegedly forced his way into the Bresslers’ bedroom and stabbed them.

The stabbings were reported about 6:20 a.m. in the 200 block of North Madison Avenue, said Lt. Tracy Ibarra, spokeswoman for the Pasadena Police Department. Officers and paramedics found the couple in critical condition, suffering from stab wounds.

Both died at a hospital.

Authorities said they found Bersson almost 500 feet from the apartment near East Walnut Street and North Madison Avenue, bloodied and with a cut to his left arm.

Lawrence Bressler called 911 moments after being stabbed, Ibarra said, and was able to speak with detectives briefly before undergoing surgery.

Detectives found a knife at the apartment that they believe was used in the attacks, authorities said.

Police said Lawrence Bressler implicated Bersson in the crime in a frantic 911 call, but Bersson has not admitted to being involved, police said.

Prosecutors will decide later whether to seek the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Bersson is being held without bail.

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