Man Jailed in Killing of Restaurateur Near Ojai

A Van Nuys man has been arrested in connection with the robbery and gangland-style murder of a Ventura County restaurant manager found dead in a walk-in refrigerator, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested without incident Arthur Ankerstrom, a 59-year-old itinerant cook, at his Oxnard Street apartment on Wednesday, Sheriff’s Cmdr. Vince France said. Ankerstrom, who was arrested on suspicion of robbing and killing George Timothy Murray, 30, also is being investigated for possible participation in at least four other robberies in Ventura County, France said.

Murray was found behind a closed refrigerator door at the Deer Lodge Restaurant in Meiners Oaks, near Ojai. He was shot at close range once in the back of the head with a high-caliber weapon, and his hands were bound behind his back with wire, France said.

Sheriff’s deputies said they believe the motive for the murder was robbery, although the amount of money and checks stolen from the restaurant has not yet been determined.

Murray’s body was found Monday morning by a friend who became alarmed when the restaurant manager did not answer the telephone.

Ankerstrom, who also uses the name Arthur Komisar, is suspected of robbing the Deer Lodge earlier this month and Lowell’s Town and Country restaurant in Ventura. He may also be responsible for two robberies of a Ventura County grocery store last year, France said.

Ankerstrom remained in Los Angeles County Jail on Friday in lieu of $500,000 bail. Arraignment is set for Monday in Ventura County, France said.