LAPD Seeks Good Samaritan Who Helped Friend Prior To His Death

PANORAMA CITY (CBSLA.com) — Detectives Thursday sought the public's help in identifying a Good Samaritan who carried his friend to an emergency room before he died.

The Good Samaritan was caught on surveillance in the early morning hours of Jan. 31 at the Kaiser Hospital in Panorama City, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

He was carrying the limp body of 19-year-old Ricardo Saiija, of North Hollywood, who was later pronounced dead by doctors.

"The Good Samaritan is not a suspect," said Det. Gretchen Schultz. "We know the helpful friend was distraught over Ricardo's situation, but he left the hospital without identifying himself."

Detectives found evidence that indicated Saija's death was likely related to a drug overdose.

"The autopsy will tell us more, but in the meantime, we'd like to know what Ricardo was up to prior to his collapse, and his friend might be able to tell us that," Det. Schultz said.

The Good Samaritan is described as a Hispanic man with a medium build a short hair. He arrived at the hospital in a four-door, American-made car with several other occupants inside, police added.

Anyone with information is urged to call Det. Schultz, Mission Homicide Unit, at (818) 838-9951.