VAN NUYS, CA — The former boyfriend of a Sherman Oaks woman who managed the business affairs of the Kardashians and other celebrities was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years to life in state prison for her murder just days before Christmas in 2021.

Jason Barker, 52, pleaded no contest in July to first-degree murder in connection with the death of Angela “Angie” Kukawski.

At sentencing Tuesday in the Van Nuys courthouse, Barker — shackled and wearing yellow jail garb — showed no emotion as he apologized to members of the victim’s family who attended the hearing.

“I can’t take it back and (Kukawski) didn’t deserve it,” Barker said. “I can’t say how sorry I am for what I did. … I have to live with that for the rest of my life. I am deeply sorry.”

Los Angeles police detectives believe Barker killed Kukawski, 55, inside the Sherman Oaks home he shared with the woman, placed her body inside her vehicle and drove it to Simi Valley, where it was abandoned, police said shortly after his arrest.

Kukawski worked as a business manager at Boulevard Management in Woodland Hills, with clients including Nicki Minaj, Offset, the Kardashians and Ye. She was a mother of five.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Kukawski was reported missing from her home on Dec. 22, 2021.

The following day, while officers were conducting a follow-up on the missing persons report in Simi Valley, they found Kukawski dead inside her car, which was parked on the street.

Barker was arrested on suspicion of murder. The L.A. County District Attorney’s Office later filed murder and torture charges against him.

Two of Kukawski’s children addressed the court, telling the judge of the loss of their mother.

“You robbed the world of a beautiful person,” Adam Baker said of the defendant. “You will spend the rest of your life in a cage. As far as I am concerned, you no longer exist.”

Sarah Baker said the family was “torn apart” by the murder. At her upcoming wedding, she added, “I’ll have to get married without my mom being there.”

Before imposing sentence, Judge Joseph Brandolino said he hoped the family would find peace.

“My only hope is you’ll have some solace going forward,” the judge said from the bench.

A restitution hearing was scheduled for Dec. 11.

By Fred Shuster, City News Service