L.A. hair Mogul's wife convicted in murder-for-hire plot amid love triangle
Wife of celebrity hairstylist convicted of masterminding his brutal murder for love and money—shocking affair details revealed in the courtroom.
Monica Sementilli was convicted of orchestrating the 2017 murder of her husband, celebrity hairstylist Fabio Sementilli. Prosecutors said she sent her lover, Robert Baker, to carry out the brutal stabbing at their luxury Woodland Hills home. Monica broke down in court as the guilty verdict was read. She now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. The murder was initially believed to be a home invasion.
Monica Sementilli's affair, $1.6M insurance, and key evidence led to her conviction in her husband's murder
Fabio’s body was found with multiple stab wounds, and police were suspicious when valuable items were left untouched. DNA from the scene linked Baker, a sex offender and Monica’s former racquetball coach. Despite claiming he acted alone and killed “for love,” prosecutors showed she stood to gain $1.6 million in life insurance. Baker was previously convicted and also sentenced to life without parole. His testimony was central to the trial.
Key evidence included surveillance footage of Monica checking a live feed before the murder. Detectives said she and Baker exchanged over 270 messages around the day of the killing using encrypted apps. Testimonies revealed the affair continued even during her husband’s funeral. Monica allegedly sexted Baker during the memorial service. Prosecutors argued this showed intent and premeditation.
Christopher Austin testified Monica orchestrated her husband's murder, as prosecutors linked her affair to the crime
A third man, Christopher Austin, testified that Baker said Monica was behind the plot. While Austin never spoke to Monica, he claimed Baker always acted after receiving her texts. Prosecutors emphasized her orchestration, while the defense claimed the affair was not proof of murder. Monica’s lawyer argued she only hid the relationship, not a crime. The trial drew attention for its shocking personal details.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman called the crime “cold and calculated,” driven by greed and betrayal. He stated justice was served with the conviction. The case sparked media attention due to the high-profile victim and sensational revelations. Authorities expressed sympathy to the Sementilli family. The sentencing will officially close a tragic chapter in the life of a well-known beauty industry figure.