WOODLAND HILLS—Authorities are investigating a homicide involving a man’s body found in a hotel room in Woodland Hills on Thursday, March 10. Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Bureau Homicide are seeking the public’s help with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect(s).
Around 5:30 p.m., Topanga Area patrol officers responded to a radio call about a “Battery Investigation,” at an Extended Stay America motel in the 20200 block of Ventura Boulevard. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a man’s body lying on the ground in a room. “His feet were tied together and his hands were tied behind his back,” the LAPD stated. Officers observed strangulation marks on the victim’s neck.
The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The victim – later identified by the Los Angeles County Coroners Office as Jeffrey Howe – is described as a 52 year-old male, and former resident of La Quinta in Riverside County.
Upon further investigation, Valley Bureau Homicide detectives learned that Howe’s body was first discovered by the manager and a security guard of the motel. Howe has been staying at the motel since July 2021, the LAPD reported. Detectives are continuing to probe the area for any witnesses.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call Detective Steve Castro, Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-1925. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
