VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - Prosecutors presented evidence Thursday against a man suspected of killing his girlfriend in Cardiff in an effort to send the case to trial. Late in the day, a judge decided there was enough evidence for the case to move forward.
Henry Cowen is charged with murder in the death of 43-year-old Sabrina Lukosky. During his preliminary hearing in Vista court, attorneys heard from multiple witnesses, including a DNA expert who tied Cowen to the crime scene.
Lukosky’s mother requested a welfare check in October 2019 after not hearing from her daughter for several days.
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Officers found Lukosky’s car in front of the granny flat she shared with Cowen and reported a foul smell coming from the home. A search warrant was executed a few days later, and led to the discovery of Lukosky’s body.
Police said there were signs of a violent struggle in the couple’s bedroom.
"There was a broken stick, a bottle that had been broken, some amount of blood, and the victim had a 1.5-inch vertical gash to her forehead," said Deputy District Attorney Marnie Layon. The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office later determined Lukosky died of blunt force trauma and strangulation.
Prosecutors believe Cowen left San Diego County and traveled to Los Angeles, then took a Lyft to Riverside County. They also said Cowen tried to leave the country with the help of his children’s mother.
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The Fugitive Task Force arrested Cowen in Riverside County on Oct. 11. He has a criminal record including assault, kidnapping, and torture, authorities told 10News.
