Restaurateur Dies in Alleged Murder and Suicide Plan

The owner of a popular Los Feliz restaurant died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head Friday after he allegedly shot and critically wounded his girlfriend, police said.

Luigi Uzzauto, 49, owner of Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, 1739 N. Vermont Ave., was found dead on the street in the 4600 block of Russell Avenue just after 8 a.m., officers said.

His girlfriend, Maria Vasquez, 34, who lived in a nearby residence, was found on the front seat of her car. She had also been shot in the head, police said.

She was reported in critical condition at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center.

Vasquez had apparently expressed a desire to end the couple’s relationship, Detective Sam Catalfano said. Uzzauto pulled out a small caliber handgun and shot the woman in the head, then turned the gun on himself, he added.

A recorded telephone message at the restaurant said the popular dining spot, which features opera-singing waiters and waitresses, will be closed for a week due to Uzzauto’s death.