Post by Scumhunter on Feb 24, 2015 0:39:07 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: Los Angeles Times website)
"Rocky's" Real Life Manager
Howard "Howie" Steindler was a colorful and beloved figure in the world of boxing. For 30 years Howie was the proprietor of the Main Street Gym in downtown Los Angeles, a training place for boxing greats like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Roberto Duran, and Jack Dempsey. He was even the inspiration for actor Burgess Meredith's portrayal of Mickey, the fight manager in the 'Rocky' films.
Police say that March 9, 1977 seemed like any other day for Howie. He was visited at the gym by friends and two LAPD Homicide detectives stopped by to check out the resident fighters. Described as a family man by friends, Howie was always home for dinner in Encino by 7 p.m.
However, Howie never showed up for dinner that evening prompting his wife to call their daughters in a panic. It would be hours before they would learn of the tragedy that happened less than a mile away from the Steindlers' home.
Legend Killed In Cold Blood
Police affirm that Howie was only a few blocks away from home when he was the victim of a "bump and run", a predecessor to today's carjacking. A witness told police that she saw an older car - possibly a 1965 Comet or Rambler - parked in front of Steindler's Cadillac Seville.
The witness told cops that the older car was a "low-rider" style vehicle that had its lights turned off and was parked erratically, blocking a portion of the lane. According to police, the witness saw a man with a large build pushing Steindler into the back seat of the Cadillac as Steindler fought back. The other suspect got behind the wheel of Howie's Cadillac and sped off with Howie and the other assailant in the back seat.
Police believe that Howie was eventually overpowered by the two suspects. A California Highway Patrol officer spotted Steindler's car 2 miles away from where he was taken. Howie was discovered in the back seat with three broken ribs and a fractured spine. A coroner later said that he had been smothered to death.
New Leads But No Answers
For years, the investigation into Howie Steindler's murder would be reopened when new evidence arose. However, to this day many of the clues are the same as they were they day Howie was killed.
The two suspects were both black males in their mid-twenties to early-thirties. They robbed Howie of his cash, credit cards, and jewelry. One piece in particular, a two-of-a-kind gold pinkie ring was never recovered. The ring was a tiny boxing glove holding a half-carat diamond and sat atop of a rope chain. A retired LAPD detective had the other ring.
LAPD detectives believe that whoever was responsible for Howie's murder must have talked about it to someone and that someone will come forward with information. They hope that with renewed national attention in the case coupled with the advances in DNA technology, they will one day have Howie's killers behind bars.
Thoughts? The above was the AMW archived profile of the case which was aired in 2006 and 2007. I believe whoever the men were had to be pretty strong. Steindler might not have been a boxer himself per se, but I get the impression he could be a scrappy guy. For what it's worth there's a picture of the ring below:
web.archive.org/web/20070811114916/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=25796#completebroadcasts
Admin Note #1: According to the Los Angeles Police Department website:
Anyone with information concerning this kidnapping and murder is asked to call Robbery-Homicide Detectives Daniel Jaramillo or Greg Stearns at 213-485-2129, during regular business hours. During off-hours calls may be directed to our 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone of log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.
www.lapdonline.org/march_2009/news_view/41150
Admin Note #2: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form
