Boyfriend charged in death of former reality TV lawyer

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (AP) — A California man was charged with murder Friday in the stabbing death of his girlfriend, whose life as a lawyer was depicted on a short-lived reality television show.

The charge against Robert Reagan, 51, of Redondo Beach, was filed two days after the death of 47-year-old Loredana Nesci.

Nesci’s body was found in her home Wednesday after police said a distraught-sounding Reagan called them.

Reagan’s attorney, Shepard Kopp, said in a statement that his client was defending himself after Nesci attacked him with a hunting knife.

Nesci was a former Los Angeles Police Department officer, trained in the use of deadly weapons, and an exceptionally strong body builder, Kopp said.

“This case is a terrible tragedy,” he said. “While defending himself against (Nesci’s) assault with a deadly weapon, Robert tried to disarm her, and in the intense struggle that ensued she tragically suffered a fatal wound.

“While Robert is not guilty of committing any criminal offense, he is devastated by this horrible event.”

Reagan’s arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 20. Prosecutors are recommending bail of more than $1 million.

Nesci appeared on a six-episode run of a reality show last year on SundanceTV called Loredena, Esq.

Nesci’s website says she was briefly a police officer before going to law school and starting a practice in 2004.

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