Boy, 16, arrested after fatally stabbing West Hills woman and stealing her car, police say

A 16-year-old boy was taken into custody Tuesday in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 53-year-old West Hills woman who allowed him to live in her home, police said.

A family member called police about 4:30 p.m. after finding Connie Cajulis suffering from stab wounds in the 7100 block of Shadow Ridge Court, said Officer Mike Lopez, spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police said Cajulis’ car was stolen by the 16-year-old, who had been living with her. KTLA-TV reported she had allowed him to live in her home “because he was going through a tough time.”

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The teenager, who was not a relative, was arrested after crashing the car several blocks away, Lopez said.

The teen was injured in the crash and taken to a hospital, where he remained Wednesday in stable condition.

Cajulis is the first homicide victim in West Hills in the past 12 months, according to the Los Angeles Times Homicide Report.

She was secretary at Calabasas High School and director of the snack bar for the Calabasas Coyote Football Booster Club, KABC-TV reported. Cajulis left behind two sons and her husband.

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