Introduction to the Case
Jurors delivered a guilty verdict Friday in the trial of a woman accused of masterminding the murder of her husband, a prominent hairdresser, at the home they shared with their two daughters in Woodland Hills.
The Trial and Verdict
The 10-man, two-woman jury deliberated just over eight hours Wednesday and Thursday after being handed the case against Monica Sementilli. The 53-year-old woman is charged with murder and conspiracy in connection with her husband Fabio’s Jan. 23, 2017, stabbing death in the family’s backyard, shortly before the couple was set to celebrate its 20th wedding anniversary.
Charges and Special Circumstances
The murder charge includes the special circumstances of murder for financial gain and murder while lying in wait.
Reaction to the Verdict
Monica Sementilli wept after the verdict was announced. The victim’s sisters called the jury’s decision the justice they were seeking. "It is the most beautiful day for our family," said Mirella Sementilli, Fabio Sementilli’s sister. "Our spirits are lifted. My brother can now rest in peace."
The Crime and Investigation
Fabio Sementilli, a father of two and celebrity hairstylist, was stabbed to death on his patio in January 2017. Detectives said that Robert Baker, 62, killed him and fled in Fabio Sementilli’s Porsche. Prosecutors accused Monica Sementilli of orchestrating the crime.
Sentencing and Related Cases
Her sentencing is scheduled for June 23. "The evilness of this woman is beyond, beyond, something I can’t comprehend," said Lori Picillo, another of the victim’s sisters. "My brother was the most amazing man in this world." Baker pleaded no contest in July 2023 to first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and admitted the two special-circumstance allegations. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole — the same sentence Sementilli could face if she is convicted as charged.
Testimonies and Plea Deals
Baker, who was called to the stand during the defense’s portion of the case, maintained that the mother of two had nothing to do with the plan to kill her husband. He said he murdered his lover’s husband because he "wanted her to be around me and with me more — like all the time." A third defendant, Christopher Austin, who was working as a parole and probation officer dealing with at-risk youths in Oregon at the time of his arrest last year, pleaded no contest in January to second-degree murder and is facing 16 years to life in state prison in connection with a plea deal reached with prosecutors.
Closing Arguments
During her closing argument, Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman told jurors that "it’s very obvious that the defendant, along with her lover, murdered Fabio Sementilli along with assistance from Christopher Austin," and that the murder was "committed for financial gain as well as for other motivations — in other words, for their future together." In his closing argument, Levine told the jury Tuesday that his client was "guilty of a lot of things — stupidity, duplicity, lying, adultery" — but not murder.
Conclusion
The case of Monica Sementilli is a tragic example of how destructive relationships and greed can lead to devastating consequences. The verdict brings closure to the family of Fabio Sementilli, but it also highlights the need for awareness and support for those trapped in toxic relationships.
FAQs
- Q: What was the verdict in the Monica Sementilli case?
A: Monica Sementilli was found guilty of murder and conspiracy in connection with her husband’s death. - Q: What are the special circumstances of the murder charge?
A: The special circumstances include murder for financial gain and murder while lying in wait. - Q: What is the sentence that Monica Sementilli could face?
A: Monica Sementilli could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. - Q: Who else was involved in the case?
A: Robert Baker and Christopher Austin were also involved in the case, with Baker pleading no contest to first-degree murder and Austin pleading no contest to second-degree murder.
