Man charged in fatal knife attack on Pismo Beach man makes first court appearance

Editor's note: Suicide is mentioned in this story.

The man accused of murdering a “known acquaintance” in Pismo Beach appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday.

Andrew Rodriguez, 34, of Santa Maria is accused of stabbing 39-year-old Jonathan Perez to death in the 1200 block of Price Street on Wednesday night, Pismo Beach police said in a news release Monday.

Perez was pronounced dead at the scene, police said, and Rodriguez was identified as a suspect shortly afterward. He is believed to have fled to Ventura and attempted suicide. He was then taken to the hospital under the supervision of Pismo Beach officers, police said.

Rodriguez and Perez were “known acquaintances” at the time, police said.

Rodriguez was released from the hospital on Sunday and subsequently arrested on suspicion of Perez's murder. He was taken into custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail and is being held without bail.

According to court documents, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office filed murder charges against Rodriguez on Tuesday afternoon, adding an enhanced penalty for using a deadly weapon, in this case a “stabbing instrument or knife.”

Rodriguez entered the courtroom wearing black-and-white striped prison garb, which typically signifies an inmate receiving psychiatric treatment. He later changed into a dress shirt as the hearing was recorded. His right eye also appeared to have a bruise.

Ilan Funke-Bilu, Rodriguez's lawyer, requested that the arraignment be postponed until September 30 because he had not yet had time to review the evidence.

Perez's family was present in the courtroom during the hearing.

According to the indictment, Rodriguez has been convicted five times of serious violent crimes stemming from a single incident on September 17, 2009 in Ventura County.

He was found guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse with a victim who was unable to consent due to intoxication, two counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious victim and one count of burglary.

San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Rita Federman ruled Tuesday that Rodriguez must remain in custody without bail.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact Det. Jason Stingley at 805-773-2208.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for people in crisis or those who want to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 988You can also call the Central Coast Hotline on: 800-783-0607 for 24/7 help. To learn the warning signs of suicide, visit 988lifeline.org.