Authorities announced Wednesday that a Los Angeles business manager whose clients included Nicki Minaj and the Kardashians was dead, and her boyfriend was accused of murder and torture.
Angela Kukawski, 55, was discovered dead in her car in Simi Valley, northwest of Los Angeles, on Dec. 23, a day after she was reported missing, according to authorities.
Jason Barker, her 49-year-old lover, was arrested Tuesday and accused of murder and torture, according to authorities and public records.
According to the Ventura County coroner, Kukawski died as a result of sharp and blunt force injuries to the head and neck as well as strangulation.
Barker allegedly tormented her with a knife before her death, according to a criminal complaint filed by Los Angeles County prosecutors.
Detectives suspect Barker killed Kukawski inside their Sherman Oaks home, then put her in her car, drove it to Simi Valley, parked it, and left her there, according to authorities.
Barker was being kept in jail on a bail of almost $3 million. He has yet to enter a plea or reply to the allegations. It’s unclear whether he’s retained an attorney who could comment on the matter.
According to entertainment trade publications Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, Kukawski worked for the agency Boulevard Management and managed several high-profile clients over her tenure, including Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian, Offset, and the estate of Tupac Shakur.
In a statement, Boulevard Management’s Todd Bozick said, “We are grieved and heartbroken by the loss of our colleague, Angie Kukawski.” “Angie was a wonderful, compassionate lady who will be missed by those who knew her.”
