A trans man is accused of fatally bludgeoning his mother with a hammer in their Laguna Beach residence, with the victim’s mother discovering the grisly scene, authorities said.
Police responded to the home of Safford James Wolfson, 36, on July 20 after his grandmother entered the property and found blood-spattered floors and damaged furniture, according to prosecutors.
Investigators reported that Wolfson’s grandmother found him lying on the floor covered in blood before discovering the body of Angela Caprioli, 61, in a bedroom. Caprioli sustained severe blunt-force injuries to her head and face. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wolfson was taken to the hospital for self-inflicted injuries to his neck. He was arrested three days later on suspicion of murder.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced that Wolfson faces murder charges and a felony enhancement for allegedly using a deadly weapon. "It is heartbreaking to think that someone could so violently end the life of the very person who gave them life," Spitzer stated.
A neighbor, Dustin Pettit, told The California Post that he witnessed Wolfson and Caprioli engaged in a tense argument at the home shortly before the alleged killing. "I saw her outside talking with him and it seemed like a pretty hostile conversation," Pettit said. He added that Caprioli then went inside and slammed the door.
Pettit, who has lived near the property for years, described the residence as a longstanding eyesore in the neighborhood, noting frequent police calls to the address over the years. He also mentioned that Wolfson had moved into the home about six months prior and that Caprioli had arrived about a week before the incident in a red pickup truck with boxes and flat-screen televisions.
Wolfson's online presence has drawn attention during the investigation. An X account bearing his name indicates the owner is a "trans girl looking for fun in LA." A TikTok account associated with Wolfson features videos of him in dresses, miniskirts, crop tops, and underwear.
Wolfson's LinkedIn profile states he co-founded Kevin's House LLC, a Southern California dual-diagnosis sober living and assisted adult care facility that serves individuals with mental health challenges. Caprioli's Facebook profile identified her as the founder of Kevin's House, and her account included a photo of her and Wolfson smiling together.
Wolfson is currently being held on $1 million bail. His arraignment is scheduled for October 1 in Orange County. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.