Boyfriend of LA business manager to the Kardashians is held on $3M bail ahead of murder trial

Jason Barker, 50, is being held on $3 million bail ahead of his trial for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, the Kardashians’ business manager, and Nicki Minaj.

Barker pleaded not guilty last year to “torturing his girlfriend with a knife before killing her and then driving around with her body in the trunk of his car.”

Barker appeared in Los Angeles Court today before Judge Shellie Samuels. After the appearance, during which defense attorneys and the prosecution agreed on guidelines for trial preparation, Barker was returned to prison in lieu of $3 million bail.

Kukawski who was found dead in the trunk of her car in the suburb of Simi Valley on December 23, 2021, one day after she was reported missing.

“Detectives believe Barker killed the victim at their Sherman Oaks residence, put her in her vehicle and drove to Simi Valley,” the Los Angeles Police Department said at the time.

Barker was arrested in 2021 for the alleged torture and murder of his then-girlfriend Angela Kukawski

A Ventura County coroner reported that Kukawski died of sharp and blunt force injuries to the head and neck and strangulation, which they said was homicide.

Barker was arrested on December 28, 2021 and held at Van Nuys Prison where he was charged with murder and torture and is being held on $3 million bond.

He appeared in court in January 2022, seated behind a glass screen, wearing a yellow jumpsuit and white face mask, speaking only to confirm his identity and to read out his rights.

In court on Thursday, Barker appeared in a blue prison suit with a cropped haircut and a few prison pounds still on his body.

Kukawski, a mother of five, worked at Boulevard Management in Woodland Hills, which specializes in “financial management services for entertainers, athletes and high net worth individuals.”

“Angie was a kind, wonderful person and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her,” said her then-workplace.

As a manager, she worked with celebrity clients including the Kardashians and Nicki Minaj.

She had also worked with the Tupac Shukar estate, as well as Kanye West and OffSet.

At the time of her apparent murder, the Kardashian-Jenner family told WhatsNew2Day.com, “Angela really was the best.”

“She cared about all of us and made things happen that were impossible.

“She will be greatly missed and we extend our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”

Minaj also posted a tribute to her business manager on social media at the time.

“Hardest working, most reliable, sweetest person you could ever know,” Minaj wrote.

“You didn’t deserve this, Angela. My heart breaks for your children. Rest in peace.’

Jason Barker, 50, (pictured last January) pleaded not guilty to allegedly torturing his girlfriend Angela Kukawski, 55, with a knife before killing her and then driving around with her body in the trunk of his car

Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj attended the Daily Front Row’s 3rd Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards in 2017. Kukawski was a manager for both women

Rapper Nicki Minaj also paid tribute to her former manager on social media

LAPD officers arrested Barker on December 28, 2021 on charges of murder and torture

Kukawski was, among other things, the manager of the Kardashians (pictured with Ben Winston).