The Laguna Beach Police Department has identified the man it arrested last week regarding the suspicious death of a 61-year-old woman as the victim’s son.
Safford James Wolfson, 36, of Laguna Beach, was arrested on July 23 in connection with the homicide of Angela Caprioli, 61, which occurred at 1300 Dunning Drive.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case and has charged Wolfson with one felony count of murder and one felony enhancement of personally using a deadly weapon, a hammer, in connection with the death of his mother. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison.
“It is heartbreaking to think that someone could so violently end the life of the very person who gave them life,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “We will continue to pursue justice for Ms. Caprioli and everyone who loved her.”
At approximately 11 a.m. on July 20, the Laguna Beach Police Department responded to 1300 Dunning Drive, Wolfson’s home, regarding a death investigation.
Upon arrival, officers located Caprioli, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was found with severe blunt-force injuries to her head and face in a bedroom in her son’s home, surrounded by broken furniture and with blood throughout the room. Caprioli was visiting from Maine.
Caprioli’s young grandson was also at the scene, found on the floor covered in blood.
Wolfson was taken from the scene to a nearby hospital for treatment of self-inflicted injuries to his neck. He is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 1 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.
There is currently no threat to the public, the Laguna Beach Police Department previously said.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident can contact Laguna Beach Detective Corporal Alan Cintas at 949-715-1262.