Man Arrested in Washington State for Killing Girlfriend in Reseda

Los Angeles: The suspect wanted in connection with an unidentified body found in a shed in Reseda, was arrested in Port Orchard, Washington.

On September 21, 2006, around 4:00 p.m., a former resident of the house, located in the 7900 block of Lindley Avenue, returned to the location to speak with the current owner. No one was home, but a strong odor was emanating from the backyard. The man followed the odor and found a decomposing body in a shed behind the house.

The body was identified as 36-year-old Dina Ellen Canale, who was reported missing by her sister on September 5, 2006. Ms. Canale’s sister stated that she had not heard from her sister since August 13, 2006.

On the same day the missing persons report was filed, Mark Ellen Steffen, the 57 year-old homeowner and former boyfriend of Ms. Canale, left to Washington.

Homicide detectives from the LAPD West Valley Division contacted Pacific Northwest Fugitive Apprehension Task Force to assist in locating Mr. Steffen in Port Orchard, Washington. The task force, with the assistance of Port Orchard Police Department, located Mr. Steffen on September 28th and took him into custody without incident.

Mark Allen Steffen is being held on $1,000,000.00 bail, on a fugitive murder warrant in the Kitsap County Jail in Washington. An extradition hearing will be conducted to determine if he will be returned to Los Angeles to stand trial.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Valley Area Detectives at (818) 374-7730. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).