Woman Held in Slaying of Wife of Ex-Husband

Los Angeles police said Thursday they have arrested a 27-year-old Tujunga woman who allegedly shot and killed her ex-husband’s wife Wednesday during a dispute over custody of their 10-year-old son.

Sheila Sabatino was arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of Julie Sabatino, 29, who died of multiple gunshots to the upper body, Lt. Bruce Meyer said.

Police said Richard Sabatino, 31, the victim’s husband, arrived from work at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to find his wife’s body on the living room floor of their home in the 6800 block of Rubio Street in Van Nuys. Julie Sabatino, his wife of six months, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Sheila Sabatino was arrested when she returned to the Rubio Street residence at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Meyer said. She was taken to Van Nuys Women’s Jail and held without bail, police said.

Detective Lyle Mayer said the shooting occurred during a dispute over who should have custody of Sheila and Richard Sabatino’s son, Ricky. Mayer said Richard Sabatino had been given custody after his former wife relinquished control.