Husband Held in Murder of Anti-Crime Activist
A Sun Valley woman whose body was found on railroad tracks near her home, raising suspicions that she was killed in retaliation for her anti-crime activism, was strangled by her ex-husband, authorities said Tuesday.
William Edward Stevens, 48, pleaded not guilty in San Fernando Court Municipal Court to charges that he killed Rufina Stevens, 47, on Feb. 10. Detective Mike Coffey said Stevens had a history of physically abusing Rufina Stevens, who had obtained restraining orders against him. Stevens’ daughters, Michelle and Nichole, initially believed their mother was killed because of her anti-crime work. She often painted over graffiti and scolded anyone she saw breaking the law.
Stevens is being held without bail at the County Jail.
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