The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has officially ruled Michelle Levin’s death a homicide, Assistant Chief Ed Winter said. Stab wounds caused her death, he added.
John Levin had not yet signed waivers of extradition Monday. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office has charged him with one count each of murder and animal cruelty and plans to arraign him in court upon his arrival.
He may eventually sign the extradition waivers, allowing Washington law enforcement officials to send him back to Glendale, Jones said.
“The other thing is that the defendant could tell the court ‘No’ they don’t want to go back,” Jones said.
At that point, Washington state officials would contact Los Angeles County prosecutors, who would likely acquire a governor’s warrant, she said. The warrant requires Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to ask Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire to extradite John Levin.
Governor warrants would then be issued, triggering an extradition to California and escorted by Glendale police within 20 days, Jones said.
When U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested John Levin, they noted his wrists were “oozing blood,” and officials said treating the injuries could have delayed the process.
Some judges do not allow inmates with injuries to be transported until they have healed, Glendale police Sgt. Tom Lorenz said.
Jones said she could not discuss the current condition of John Levin’s injuries or whether he was treated.
Glendale detectives discovered Michelle Levin’s body Sept. 11, but police said she likely had been dead several days before she was found.
She was stabbed several times, Winter said, but he could not comment on how many days her body was in the apartment.
VERONICA ROCHA covers public safety and the courts. She may be reached at (818) 637-3232 or by e-mail at veronica.rocha@latimes.com.
