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Wiccan Woman Killed Man as Apparent "Sacrifice," Says Detective; Accused Claims Self-Defense

Angela Sanford (KRQE)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (CBS/AP)  Angela Sanford, an Albuquerque woman thought to be a practitioner of modern witchcraft, killed a man in an apparent sacrifice, authorities say. A detective reviewing Sanford's cell phone said the victim's phone number was actually programmed under the word "sacrifice."

Sanford is accused of killing 52-year-old Joel Leyba last month with a dagger, after inviting him to join her in a Wiccan celebration of spring. She claims Leyba tried to rape her near a popular hiking trail east of Albuquerque, and that she stabbed him in self-defense.

A Bernalillo County grand jury indicted the 30-year-old Sanford on Wednesday.

Authorities have previously said that Sanford, a self-described witch, stabbed Leyba at least a dozen times with a ceremonial knife, and that her account of the killing doesn't add up.

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March 25, 2010 - Wiccan Woman Charged With Murder, Stabbed Victim With Ceremonial Knife, Say Cops

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