The Guido’s kitchen worker who was found dead Sunday night has been determined to have died from natural causes, despite earlier reports of a shooting or a beating, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner and Sheriff’s Department.
The man, 32-year-old Carlos Ivan Rodas, who worked washing dishes at the popular Italian restaurant in the Malibu Country Mart, was last seen taking out the trash before being discovered dying in a pool of blood outside the restaurant at around 8:30 p.m. Employees called 911 and paramedics along with the LA County Sheriff were dispatched. Paramedics pronounced Rodas dead at the scene.
Initial reports from the Sheriff’s Department indicated that Rodas had been shot to death, and Homicide detectives were sent to investigate. Monday morning, investigators said they believed the cause of death was actually a brutal beating, and a search for suspects began. After conducting an autopsy, the official cause of death was revised on Wednesday to complications from an upper respiratory infection, according to the LA County Coroner. Ruling out a homicide, the search for the killer was suspended.
According to the Malibu Times, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued a press release Friday afternoon stating that it has not found any evidence suggestion an increased risk to public safety as a result of Rodas’ respiratory infection. The LA County Coroner is reviewing the case and is “awaiting the results of microscopic tissue studies and biological laboratory cultures to aid in the determination of manner and cause of death.”
The Coroner’s office is holding onto the autopsy results until they can provide the complete account of his death and the reason for so much blood at the scene.
Guido’s co-owner, Vassil Pertchinkov, also issued a statement regarding the situation:
To Patrons, Friends and otherwise anyone concerned:
We here at Guidos are very saddened by the loss of our employee, Carlos Rodas. We want to let everyone know that the health department has been out to inspect our restaurant following this incident. We want you to know that we are committed to your health and safety. We have not been advised by any agency that we should shut our doors as a result of Carlos’ death. We remain open for business and we hope to see all of you in the restaurant soon.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
