Victim Slain In Alleged Domestic Dispute Identified

There are several new developments in what Santa Barbara police call a deadly case of domestic violence.

The accused killer, 39-year-old Aubrey Dupree Wadford, made his first court appearance on Friday.

His arraignment was postponed until Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office has charged him with one count of murder.

The DA has identified the victim as 39-year-old Angela Laskey.

Police say their investigation revealed that Wadford stabbed Laskey to death with a knife, while their 2-year-old daughter was present at the scene.

KEYT/KCOY/KKFX talked to a close friend and neighbor of the victim who says Laskey was not in a relationship with Wadford at the time of the murder.

“This was not her boyfriend. This is something I should make abundantly clear. This man stayed with her because they had a child together. She let him stay here out of the kindness of her heart. Just to make sure her daughter had a father in her life. That was it,” said Alexandra Coffin.

Coffin also says Wadford was strange and known to be combative.

“There was something very, very, very wrong with him,” Coffin said.

Coffin says Laskey was a kind, loving friend and a wonderful mother.

“She always had a smile on her face. She called everyone mama, and baby. We were a community here. She was a big part of that community,” Coffin said.

Santa Barbara police say Laskey’s mother arrived at Los Angeles International Airport late Thursday night from Scotland. She was met by detectives who put her in contact with child welfare advocates.

Arrangements are being made for her to take custody of her granddaughter.