August 6, 2010 - On Wednesday, authorities identified a human body found burning next to the 101 freeway in Santa Barbara county on July 15 to be Bernardo Alvarez, a Tarzana restaurant waiter. His body was found badly charred, but according to the autopsy reports, Alvarez died prior to the fire. Further reports state that no obvious signs of physical trauma was found, but a toxicology report showed drugs and alcohol in the system.
Alvarez worked at the Greystoke Grill and was well liked by his co-workers. Coincidentally, the restaurant is a favorite of local law enforcement. When he didn't show up for work for 2 days after not missing a day for 10 years, his boss grew concerned and filed a missing-persons report.
Joel Koury, managing attorney for the Kavinoky Law Firm has been retained to represent parties involved in the case, though no formal charges have been made. According to attorney Koury, "Investigations are still being conducted. It's our firm's job to make sure that friends and relatives are left to grieve. We also want to use every means necessary to ensure that individuals considered to be witnesses don't all of a sudden become suspects." Alvarez's friends and family remain deeply saddened, but declined to be interviewed. At this point, the death is considered "suspicious" but has not been ruled a homicide.
According to the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department, DNA testing proved that the body was in fact Alvarez. In a press conference, officials implored the public for any knowledge of the death.
Alvarez was last seen leaving a Ventura Boulevard restaurant, but no further details were disclosed.
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