Jailed Drifter, Suspected in Slaying of Parents in Canoga Park Home, Dies

A 44-year-old drifter suspected of murdering his parents in Canoga Park last February died early Saturday in the prison ward of County-USC Medical Center, authorities said. His death, they said, came about 10 hours after he complained of abdominal pains in the Central Jail where he has been held while awaiting trial.

Coroner’s officials planned to conduct an autopsy to determine what caused the death of Robert Spitz, but Deputy Roxanna Schuchman, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Department, said there were no signs of foul play.

Schuchman said Spitz complained of pains Friday night and was transferred to the prison ward shortly after midnight, where it was determined he should undergo surgery. Spitz refused, she said.

Spitz, who had a history of mental problems, according to family members, was arrested in Portland, Ore., in August after investigators focused their attention on him in connection with the slayings of Marvin Spitz, 69, and his wife, Myrtle, 68. The bodies of the parents, who had been stabbed and bludgeoned, were found by sheriff’s deputies in their home in the 24600 block of Kittridge Street.

Another son had summoned the officers after he became concerned by his failure to reach his parents for several days. Neighbors reported seeing Robert Spitz in the vicinity of the home about the time the slayings were believed to have occurred. Officers said they found no sign of forced entry.

Spitz was scheduled to appear in Superior Court next month.