Crime & Safety

Update: Valley Teacher Captured in Slaying of His Estranged Wife

Michael Rodney Kane reportedly fled the scene in West Hills in a silver, gray or mint green 1999 Chrysler 300 M, California license number 4HGP487.

Update, 8 a.m.: Los Angeles and San Bernardino County Sheriffs kicked in the door of a Joshua Tree motel shortly after midnight Monday and seized the Valley school teacher hunted in the stabbing death of his estranged wife in West Hills, according to KNX radio. Read more details here.

Previous story:
 Homicide detectives are hunting Monday for Michael Rodney Kane, a teacher at Nestle Avenue Charter Elementary in Tarzana, in the slaying of his estranged wife.

Michelle Ann Kane, 43, of West Hills was stabbed to death one day after she visited the LAPD's Topanga station to report that her husband violated a restraining order, said Lt. Warren Jones, acting commanding officer of the Topanga Detective Division, told the Daily News.

The fatal stabbing was at 7:57 a.m. Saturday in the 7000 block of Deveron Ridge Road, according to Jones.

The victim had been stabbed multiple times, Jones said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Forty-three-year-old Michelle Kane, of West Hills, made a report to police on June 14, at 2 p.m., that she was the victim of a violation of a temporary restraining order," Jones said. "Following completion of the report, she went to stay with friends at the home on Deveron Ridge Road." Jones said.  She had her two children with her, he said.

In the morning, Michael Rodney Kane, 46, allegedly went to the home and stabbed his estranged wife to death, Jones said.

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Neighbors told reporters they heard her begging him to "stop it."

"One resident was injured in the struggle with the suspect but his main focus was the victim," Jones said.

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Kane then reportedly fled the scene in a silver, gray or mint green 1999 Chrysler 300 M, California license number 4HGP487, the lieutenant said.

He was described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and 175 pounds.

"He could have been injured in the assault and may require medical attention," Jones said.

"We're asking Mr. Kane to turn himself in and bring closure to this tragedy," Jones said. "We are also seeking the public's assistance in locating Mr. Kane. If you see him, do not try to contact him, call police."

People who see Kane should call Topanga area Detective Dave Petique, at (818) 756-4869 or Detective Jeff Briscoe, at (818) 756-3362, or they can call Crimestoppers  at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

-- City News Service contributed to this report


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