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San Diego man convicted of killing singer fiancee sentenced to life in prison
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Elizabeth Abirian, 27, was killed by her fiance last year.
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A San Diego County man was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his fiancée at a Temecula mall three years ago.
Mickey Wagstaff was convicted last month of killing Elizabeth Amirian, 27, after she apparently broke off their engagement.
Authorities say Wagstaff abducted Amirian and held her captive for two days in the back of a minivan. When a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy approached the vehicle in a Temecula parking garage, Wagstaff stabbed Amirian to death.
He later confessed to the killing.
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Defense attorneys say the murder was not premeditated, and also disputed rape and kidnapping allegations.
Amirian, who went by the nickname "Bipsy," performed regularly at venues in the Temecula and San Diego areas. She had just finished recording an album. The self-taught musician converted to Christianity after a tumultuous childhood, and many of her songs touched on themes of spirituality and personal struggle.
Amirian’s debut album “Battle Cry” was released shortly after her death.
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