Boyfriend Of Slain Celebrity Manager Pleads Not Guilty To Her Murder

VAN NUYS, CA — The boyfriend of a Sherman Oaks woman who managed the affairs of celebrities and was found dead last year in Simi Valley pleaded not guilty Tuesday in connection with her killing.

Jason Barker, 49, was charged last Dec. 28 with one count each of murder and torture in connection with the death of Angela Kukawski, 55.

The criminal complaint alleges that the crimes occurred on or between Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 and that Barker personally used a knife in the commission of the crime.

Los Angeles police detectives believe Barker killed Kukawski inside their Sherman Oaks home, placed her body inside her vehicle and drove it to Simi Valley, where it was abandoned, police said shortly after his arrest.

According to Variety, Kukawski worked as a business manager at Boulevard Management in Woodland Hills, with clients including Nicki Minaj, Offset, the Kardashians and Kanye West. She was a mother of five.

In a statement to Variety, Boulevard Management officials said, "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."

Barker has remained behind bars since his arrest last December, according to jail records.

City News Service