One day after she was reported missing, Angela Kukawski, the Kardashian family’s business manager, was discovered dead in a car on December 23. According to Today, Kukawski was 55.
Shortly after she was discovered deceased, Kukawski’s boyfriend, 49-year-old Jason Barker was arrested on suspicion of murder. Now, eight days after she was reported missing, the LA Country Districts Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against him, specifically murder and torture.
Business Manager for the Kardashians and Other Major Stars Found Murdered—Her Boyfriend Arrested
According to court documents obtained by Today, Barker has been accused of using a knife and a gun to “unlawfully and with the intent to cause cruel and extreme pain and suffering for the purpose of revenge, extortion, persuasion and for a sadistic purpose.” Police believe Angela died on December 21.
Detectives working the case say they believe Baker killed Kukawski in their home before putting her body in her own vehicle. Baker then drove the vehicle from Sherman Oaks to Simi Valley. According to the autopsy, Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office believes the cause of death was “sharp and blunt force injuries of the head and neck and strangulation.”
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It has yet to be reported who reported her missing. According to CNN, Baker’s bail has been set to $3 million. He remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on January 12.
In a joint statement, the Kardashian-Jenner family said, “Angela was truly the best. She cared about every one of us and made things happen that were impossible. She will be greatly missed and we send our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones during this most difficult time.”
Kukawski also worked with Nicki Minaj, who also issued a statement, according to Today. “Hardest working, most reliable, sweetest person you could ever know,” she wrote. “You didn’t deserve this, Angela. My heart is breaking for your children. Rest in peace.”
Per the Los Angeles Times, Boulevard, where Angela worked, said through an employee that the company was not ready to release a statement. Kanye West, who was also a client and once married to Kim Kardashian, also has not issued a statement.
The business manager was also a mother of five. It’s unclear where her children were at the time of her death. Our thoughts go out to them during this particularly devastating and heartbreaking time.