Monica Sementilli, the wife of a well-known hairdresser, has been found guilty of his murder in California after a 10-week jury trial, according to county officials. The verdict was announced by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, who revealed that Sementilli was convicted of one count of murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection to the fatal stabbing of her husband, Fabio Sementilli, in 2017. As a result of the guilty verdict, Sementilli is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. Hochman described the crime as “cold and calculated,” driven by greed and betrayal, and emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable. The sentencing hearing for Sementilli is scheduled for June 23.
The tragic death of Fabio Sementilli was a result of an extramarital affair his wife had with her co-defendant, Robert Louis Baker, according to Hochman. The pair conspired to kill the 49-year-old hairdresser in his home in Woodland Hills. When the guilty verdict was delivered, Sementilli reacted by gasping and breaking down in tears in the courtroom. Fabio Sementilli’s sister expressed relief that justice was served and mentioned that her family can now find some closure.
Robert Louis Baker, who carried out the stabbing, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder with special circumstances and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He admitted to the crime, citing his desire for Monica Sementilli as his motive. The case took a significant toll on Fabio Sementilli’s family, as his wife maintained her innocence despite evidence such as explicit messages exchanged with Baker.
The investigation into Fabio Sementilli’s murder initially pointed to a botched home invasion, but later shifted focus as evidence emerged implicating Monica Sementilli and Robert Louis Baker. The trial revealed the intricate details of the conspiracy and the motive behind the crime. Despite the tragedy, the outcome of the trial brings a sense of closure to the Sementilli family and ensures that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
According to the outlet, Sementilli was portrayed by prosecutors as the “mastermind” behind her husband’s killing, which involved her having an affair with Baker, a convicted sex offender and former porn star who had served as her racquetball coach at a fitness club in West Hills. Sementilli received $1.6 million in life insurance payouts following her husband’s death. During the trial, Silverman, a prosecutor, presented video evidence showing Sementilli monitoring a live feed shortly before the stabbing to ensure Baker could approach her husband without any hindrances. Silverman stated in a release from the DA’s office that the case had been meticulously investigated and prosecuted over eight years, with the prosecutors and detectives piecing together the details to expose the lies and deceit of Sementilli and her accomplice, who believed they had successfully evaded capture. Fabio Sementilli’s wife has been found guilty of his murder in 2017.