Ventura County, California – A man currently in custody for a recent murder is now facing accusations of another killing that occurred months earlier. Rotherie Durell Foster, 38, was arrested for the death of 74-year-old Bill Dean Levy of Granada Hills. Levy’s death was initially believed to be from natural causes, but new evidence suggests foul play.
Foster was already facing charges in the death of Jose Velasquez, a Camarillo plumber found dead in the Santa Monica Mountains after going missing in July 2022. Investigators discovered potential financial fraud against Levy by Foster, prompting them to exhume Levy’s body. An autopsy revealed he died from intentional fentanyl poisoning.
At a news conference, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko raised questions about Levy’s connection to Foster, highlighting suspicious financial transactions following Levy’s death. Foster, who had done plumbing work for Levy, is accused of killing him for financial gain and stealing his identity. Authorities believe Foster targeted victims through his plumbing work for criminal activities.
Apart from Levy’s murder, Foster is also linked to other crimes, including financial fraud in Woodland Hills and an armed robbery in Fillmore. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office granted Ventura County jurisdiction to prosecute Levy’s case, where Foster remains in custody without bail.
Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff expressed shock over Levy’s unexpected death and emphasized there were no indications of foul play initially. He described Levy as a quiet and kind neighbor, adding a layer of complexity to the case. Investigators continue to delve into Foster’s alleged criminal activities and any potential motives behind the murders.