A 36-year-old Laguna Beach resident has been charged with murder after his 61-year-old mother, who had traveled across the country to see him, was found dead inside his home with severe head injuries, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Safford Wolfson now faces a felony murder charge along with a weapon enhancement for allegedly using a hammer in the killing of his mother, Angela Caprioli. The Orange County DA’s Office confirmed he was formally charged on Monday and is currently being held on $1 million bail.
According to officials, Laguna Beach police were called to Wolfson’s residence on Dunning Drive on the morning of July 20 after his grandmother arrived at the home and discovered broken furniture and blood throughout the property. She reportedly found Wolfson on the floor, covered in blood, with self-inflicted wounds to his neck.
Caprioli, who had flown in from Maine, was later found in a bedroom with severe blunt force trauma to her head and face. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the killing.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer addressed the case in a statement, calling it devastating that a life could be taken so violently by someone so close to the victim, and vowed that his office would pursue justice on Caprioli’s behalf.
Officials say Wolfson had been living at the Laguna Beach property for roughly six months. His mother had reportedly made the trip to drop off a television and a few personal belongings for his new home.
If convicted on all counts, Wolfson could face a sentence ranging from 26 years to life in prison. He is scheduled to be arraigned on October 1.