Man charged with fatally stabbing Pismo Beach man makes first court appearance
Editor’s note: This story mentions suicide.
The man accused of murdering a “known acquaintance” in Pismo Beach made his first court appearance Tuesday.
Andrew Rodriguez, 34, of Santa Maria is accused of fatally stabbing 39-year-old Jonathan Perez in the 1200 block of Price Street on Wednesday evening, Pismo Beach police said in a Monday news release.
Perez was declared dead at the scene, police said, and Rodriguez was identified as a suspect shortly after. He allegedly fled to Ventura and attempted suicide. He was then taken to the hospital under supervision of Pismo Beach officers, police said.
Rodriguez and Perez were “known acquaintances” at the time, police said.
Rodriguez was released from the hospital Sunday and subsequently arrested on suspicion of murdering Perez. He was taken into custody at San Luis Obispo County Jail and is being held without bail.
The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office charged Rodriguez with murder Tuesday afternoon, court documents show, adding a sentencing enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon, in this case a “stabbing instrument or knife.”
Rodriguez entered court wearing black and white striped jail clothing, which typically signifies an inmate is in a second-level security risk. He later changed into a dress shirt when the hearing went on the record. His right eye also appeared to have a bruise.
Ilan Funke-Bilu, Rodriguez’s attorney, requested his client’s arraignment be pushed to Sept. 30, noting he had not had time to look through discovery.
Perez’s family was present in the courtroom during the hearing.
According to the charge sheet, Rodriguez has three prior serious or violent felony convictions from a single incident on Sept. 17, 2009, in Ventura County, but five possible sentencing enhancements stemming from the convictions.
He was convicted of one felony count of sexual intercourse with a victim who couldn’t consent because of intoxication, one felony count of sexual penetration of an unconscious victim and one felony count of burglary in 2010.
San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Rita Federman on Tuesday ruled Rodriguez stay in jail custody without bail.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and asks anyone with information to call Det. Jason Stingley at 805-773-2208.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 988. You can also call the Central Coast Hotline at 800-783-0607 for 24-7 assistance. To learn the warning signs of suicide, visit 988lifeline.org.
This story was originally published September 17, 2024 at 3:27 PM.
