Police seek estranged husband in fatal West Hills stabbing

Los Angeles police are continuing their search for a man suspected of stabbing his estranged wife to death Saturday morning as she tried to hide from him at a friend’s home in West Hills, authorities said.

Michelle Kane, 43, was stabbed multiple times near a home she was staying in with her two children in the 7100 block of Deveron Ridge Road, police said. She died at the scene.

LAPD Lt. Warren Jones told City News Service that the woman, who was about to be divorced, on Friday reported her estranged husband, identified as Michael Rodney Kane, 46, had violated a restraining order she had obtained. Fearing for her safety, she took her children and fled to the house of a friend.

Shortly before 8 a.m., police said, the suspect showed up at the home. Michelle Kane ran down the street as the man argued with a resident of the home. But he saw her and chased her down.

The suspect then fled in a car and the manhunt began.

Police believe Kane may have been injured in the fight with his estranged wife. KABC Channel 7 News reported officers found bloodstains when they went to his apartment Saturday night.

Neighbors told reporters they heard a commotion and cries of “Stop it!”

Kane was believed to be driving a silver-gray or mint-green 1999 Chrysler 300M, California license plate 4HGP487. He was described as standing 5-feet, 10-inches tall and weighing about 175 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call Topanga Area Det. Dave Petique at (818) 756-4869 or Det. Jeff Briscoe at (818) 756-3362 or CrimeStoppers at 1 800 222-TIPS (8477).

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jean.merl@latimes.com

Twitter: @jeanmerl