Los Angeles, California – Renowned hairstylist Fabio Sementilli was tragically killed in his home in Woodland Hills on January 23, 2017. The murder sent shockwaves through the beauty industry where Sementilli was a well-respected figure. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Sementilli had made a name for himself in Los Angeles as an executive at Wella. He lived in Woodland Hills with his wife Monica and their two teenage daughters.
On the day of the murder, Sementilli was found stabbed to death in his backyard, with the scene staged to look like a robbery gone wrong. However, further investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department revealed inconsistencies, including blood at the scene that did not belong to Sementilli. There was also evidence suggesting that Monica was having an affair at the time of her husband’s murder.
Prosecutors alleged that Monica had orchestrated an alibi on the day of the murder, with surveillance footage showing her leaving home in her black Ford F-150 pickup truck. They claimed she headed to a nearby store to establish her alibi, with an individual, later identified as Robert Baker, seen getting into her truck. Baker, a local racquetball coach with whom Monica was having an affair, was implicated in the murder.
Subsequent investigations uncovered DNA evidence linking Baker to the scene and revealed a pattern of communication between him and Monica leading up to the murder. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Monica had upgraded her home surveillance system and shared access with Baker. Despite maintaining her innocence, Monica and Baker were indicted by a grand jury for murder and conspiracy.
In a surprising turn of events, Baker changed his plea to “no contest” in 2023 and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. This plea change created a distinction in court proceedings, with Monica now set to stand trial separately. Her trial is scheduled to begin in April 2024 as she continues to maintain her innocence, supported by her daughters who are standing by her side throughout the legal proceedings. The case has captured public interest and shed light on the complexities of the investigation into Fabio Sementilli’s tragic murder.