Boy, 16, Charged As Adult In Murder Of West Hills Woman
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult in the fatal stabbing of a West Hills woman who allowed him to live with her and her family.
Steven Paul Main of Bell Canyon pleaded not guilty Thursday to one count of murder in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old Connie Cajulis Wednesday afternoon, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced Friday. He is being held on more than $2 million bail.
After allegedly stabbing Cajulis, prosecutors say Main drove off in her vehicle but crashed soon after.
Her body was discovered by her family when they returned home, prosecutors said.
Main had been living in Cajulis' home. Friends said Cajulis – who had been regular volunteer and a supporter of Calabasas High School's athletic programs -- had taken the boy into her home, possibly after he was expelled from the school.
If convicted as charged, Main faces life in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.