WOODLAND HILLS—On Thursday, March 17, Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Bureau Homicide Detective Steve Castro booked suspects, Anthony Ostroff, 70, and Calene Brudek, 52, in connection with the March 10, death of Jeffrey Howe, 42, of Woodland Hills.
According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Topanga area patrol offers responded to a call on March 10, to the 20200 block of Ventura Boulevard to investigate reports of assault and battery.
Upon arriving on the scene, officers observed the victim in a room inside a hotel room laying on the ground. His feet were bound together, and his hands were handcuffed behind his back. Authorities confirmed that the victim had “strangulation marks” on his neck.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at scene.
“Operations Valley Bureau Homicide responded and assumed responsibility. Detectives learned that the victim was found dead by the security guard and manager of the location. The victim had been staying at the location since July of 2021. Detectives will continue to canvass the area for witnesses, surveillance cameras and further evidence,” stated the LAPD in a news release from March 11.
According to reports, the suspects were identified on Monday, March 14 and arrested later in the week. Both Ostroff and Brudek are from San Fernando Valley. Neither are related to the suspect.
The LAPD West Valley Division booked Ostroff into LAPD Valley Jail in Van Nuys. Bail has been set for $2 million. Brudek’s inmate records were not available.
To provide a tip or more information contact the LAPD Valley Bureau Homicide at 818-374-1925. Calls made during non-business hours or on weekends can be directed to 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org
