Celebrity manager found dead in trunk after suspected 'sadistic' torture; boyfriend arrested

LOS ANGELES (TCD) -- A man was taken into custody on suspicion of murder after his girlfriend was found dead in the trunk of her car last week.

According to a statement by the Los Angeles Police Department,  in on Dec. 23, LAPD officers and Simi Valley Police Department officers went to the 1500 block of Patricia Avenue to follow up on a missing person call. Angela "Angie" Kukawski had been reported missing the day prior. Los Angeles Police said Kukawski was found dead in her car, which was parked on Patricia Avenue in Simi Valley.

LAPD announced they arrested 49-year-old Jason Barker on suspicion of murder. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office reportedly filed murder charges against him.

According to Variety, the 55-year-old Kukawski was employed at Boulevard Management and did business with celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, and Offset. She reportedly previously did some work with the Kardashians as well.

KABC-TV reports the Ventura County Coroner’s Office said Kukawski died from "sharp and blunt force injuries of the head and neck and strangulation."

Investigators reportedly believe she was killed at her home in Sherman Oaks and then driven to Simi Valley where her car was found. KABC, citing court documents, reports prosecutors said in their criminal complaint Barker "did 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, inflict great bodily injury."

Variety reports Kukawski had five children and was described as "beloved" and "hard-working."

Todd Bozick, who works at Boulevard Management, expressed to Variety in a statement, "We are saddened and heartbroken by the loss of our colleague, Angie Kukawski. Angie was a kind, wonderful person, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our deepest condolences go out to all of Angie’s family and friends."

The Kardashian-Jenner family told KABC in a statement, "Angela was truly the best. She cared about everyone 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."

According to Los Angeles County jail records, Barker’s bail is set at $3.07 million.

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