Bradenton Gang Member Charged in Restaurant Owner’s Death

A Bradenton man has been charged in the death of New Dynasty restaurant manager Taian “Andrew” Tian, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

"This man took my tomorrows away," Marylou Anderson, Tiain's girlfriend said in a press conference Wednesday. "I hope that the moment when judgement comes, I will get to see his tomorrows taken away as well."

Juan De Dios Rodriguez, 20, 2300 block of 52nd Avenue East, Bradenton, was arrested on a charge of manslaughter Wednesday after authorities said he assaulted Tian in the parking lot on New Dynasty Restaurant, 6125 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, on July 14.

Tian died five days later as a result of his injuries, the report said.

Rodriguez, who also goes by the alias “Jay Daddy Yo,” had eaten dinner at the restaurant with two other men, but left without paying his bill, the report states. Tian followed them out into the parking lot where he confronted them, but never came back; other patrons later found him lying in the parking lot, the report said.

"A lot of people what to know why," Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight said during the conference. "The answer is this man's death was over $35.31."

Detectives learned from the other two men that Rodriguez had punched Tian in the back of the head; the blow knocked him to the ground, causing him to hit his head on the pavement, according to the District 12 medical examiner’s office.

Tian underwent surgery for the head trauma at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, but received a poor prognosis following the operation, a report states.

Wendy Rose, spokesperson for the SCSO said Rodriguez is a documented gang member with a violent history that includes several weapons charges. He is being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.

Rose said the other two men are not being charged and are considered witnesses at this time. 

Knight credits the community for Rodriguez's arrest, he said SCSO received over 40 anonymous tips in connection with the incident.