BEAVERDAM, Va. (WTVR) – Officials have released the cause of death of a Hanover woman found murdered in her home on Beaverdam Road Monday.
Virginia State Medical Examiner Steve Murman told WTVR.com that 44-year-old Sarajane Hakopian was stabbed to death. Murman said she died from sharp force injuries to her neck and chest.
According to court documents, a neighbor came to check on her after she failed to report to work Monday.
Hakopian’s mother, Betty Savage, told CBS 6 News’ Jon Burkett Tuesday night that she recently talked to her daughter about Brian Mallory, the man who was living with her.
“Some maniac takes her life from her after she was trying to help him. I just can’t understand someone so inhumane, so evil,” said Savage. “I’m heartsick over this. I’ll never get over this one. You can’t get over losing a child.” [MORE: Murder victim’s mom speaks out]
Deputies said Mallory lived with Hakopian, but that he had not been charged with her murder.
He was arrested early Tuesday morning in Jacksonville, Florida and charged with Grand Larceny in the theft of Sarajane’s minivan.
Court documents showed Mallory was convicted of robbery and abduction in 1991 and sentenced to 124 years in prison with 90 years suspended. At that time the law was that inmates only had to serve 30 percent of their sentences.
Mallory served his time and then returned after a violation to his probation. At the judge’s discrepancy he served four years.
On Tuesday, several friends decorated the fence surrounding Hakopina’s home with flowers, balloons and posters. [MORE: Neighbors came to check on victim after no-show at work]
“We wanted to show her how much we loved her,” said friend Audrey Wilkins. “She helped anybody in any way she could.”
Wilkins said Hakopian’s two teenage children were active equestrian vaulters and their mother was a proud team mom.
A memorial service for Hakopian will be held Feb. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post 90 in Beaverdam.
