LOS ANGELES—A man accused of brutally attacking a longtime valet at the iconic Barney’s Beanery restaurant in West Hollywood in an apparently random assault entered a plea of not guilty on Thursday to charges of attempted murder and other offenses.
Dorian Michael Gray, 28, was formally charged on Tuesday with multiple felony counts including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault likely to cause great bodily injury, aggravated mayhem, and battery causing serious bodily harm, as well as two misdemeanor battery charges, as reported by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident occurred on September 14 outside the restaurant located at 8447 Santa Monica Blvd, where Gray allegedly attacked Efrain “Frankie” Zarazua. Surveillance footage captured the shirtless assailant knocking Zarazua to the ground and viciously kicking and stomping on him.
Authorities believe that Gray may have been involved in at least four other assaults in the same area within a 20-minute timeframe, although those incidents resulted in less severe injuries.
“The victim was punched and knocked unconscious when he fell and hit his head on the ground,” stated Sheriff’s Detective Brandon Zeff during a press briefing. “The suspect proceeded to kick the victim multiple times in the upper body and head. Witnesses reported that he also stomped on the victim’s head during the attack.”
Gray was apprehended last Friday and is currently being held in custody on a bail amount of $3.255 million, according to jail records.
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Barney’s Beanery posted on Instagram following the incident, describing Zarazua as a dedicated employee who has served at the restaurant for over 30 years.
“He is known to be kind, humorous, and welcoming to everyone he meets,” the post read.
Zarazua’s wife, Irma, provided an update on his condition on a GoFundMe page in late September, stating that he had been transferred out of intensive care and was on the road to recovery.
“Due to the head injuries sustained in the assault, he still has a long journey of therapy and rehabilitation ahead,” she wrote. “Additionally, he has a fractured cheekbone that will heal naturally, but his brain suffered swelling and is slowly recovering.”
As of Thursday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign had raised over $61,000.
Efrain “Frankie” Zarazua was attacked outside the Barney’s Beanery restaurant in West Hollywood, California. Irma Zarazua/GoFundMe
Surveillance photos of the suspect, believed to be Dorian Michael Gray, 28, who was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Chris Zarazua, the son of the victim, spoke to the media following the assault, expressing concern that his father could have lost his life in the brutal attack. He mentioned that another restaurant employee was assaulted by the same suspect at a nearby bus stop, and another individual was attacked in close proximity.
“I believe my dad… was trying to investigate the situation and unfortunately encountered the assailant,” he stated.
Individuals with information related to the case are urged to contact Detective Zeff at 310-358-4033 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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