Man Is Sought in the Fatal Stabbing of Waiter in Fairfax District

Los Angeles police have released a composite sketch of a man suspected of fatally stabbing a waiter in an apparent street robbery in the Fairfax district.

Eric Gelman, 32, had ended his shift at the nearby Marmalade Cafe in the Farmers Market and was walking to his car in the 7900 block of West 1st Street about 10 p.m. Sunday when he was stabbed in the back, authorities said.

Gelman was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center a short time later.

The aspiring actor had moved to Los Angeles from Florida two years ago to begin a career in the entertainment industry. His efforts were just beginning to bear fruit. He made a guest appearance in February as a paparazzi photographer in “Monk,” the USA Network comedy about a detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Gelman was alone when he was killed in front of an apartment complex about a block and a half from the Marmalade Cafe. The Farmers Market charges $5 a day to park in the market’s lot, said Selwyn Yossiowitz, owner of Marmalade Restaurants. Waiters and waitresses often park on the street.

Gelman had walked the same route many times, escorting colleagues to their cars, Yossiowitz said.

The restaurant’s owner said he has parked on the street and considered the neighborhood safe. Police concurred.

Through April 16, the LAPD reported five killings in the Wilshire Division, six fewer than in 2004. Violent crime in the area is down 30% in 2005, compared with the same period last year.

Colleagues described Gelman as outgoing, kind and generous.

“He was popular with the customers, and the employees loved him,” Yossiowitz said. “It was one of those wrong-time, wrong-place things. We are shocked.”

Investigators described the killer as a bearded man in his mid- to late 30s who wore dark clothing and a cap with a short bill. Wilshire-area Capt. Richard Wemmer said his detectives believe robbery was the motive for the killing.

Witnesses were able to provide descriptions to help detectives put together the composite drawing, Wemmer added.

“We’re hoping somebody saw something that can help us out,” Wemmer said.