Tips on suspect sought

GLENDALE — Police on Wednesday released a photo of John Levin, the 45-year-old resident arrested at the Canadian border on suspicion of killing his wife and family dog, in an effort to attract public tips on his possible whereabouts in the days leading up to his arrest.

Levin was arrested Saturday by U.S. customs officials as he attempted to enter Canada a day after police discovered the badly decomposed body of his wife, Michelle Levin, 35, and their dog in their apartment on West Fairview Avenue in Glendale.

He remained in the custody of Washington state officials Wednesday awaiting extradition, Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz said.

On Monday, the Los Angeles County district attorney charged John Levin with one count of murder and one felony count of animal cruelty. The murder weapon was identified as a knife in the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, but as of Wednesday, coroner officials had not released the cause of death.

Michelle Levin was likely killed several days before her body was discovered and her husband turned up at the Canadian border.

Police are asking anyone who saw John Levin in the days before Saturday to come forward as detectives attempt to construct a timeline of events, Lorenz said.

“We’re asking for public assistance to help us trace his footsteps,” Lorenz said.

In an announcement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agents noted that John Levin’s wrists “were injured and oozing blood” at the time he was taken into custody.

Police officers, responding to a call from someone who was concerned about the couple’s whereabouts, discovered Michelle Levin about 3 p.m. Friday.

Anyone with information may call the Glendale Police Department at (818) 548-4840, or the Crime Stoppers anonymous hotline at (818) 507-7867.

 JASON WELLS is the city editor. He may be reached at (818) 637-3220 or by e-mail at jason.wells@latimes.com.