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CASE UPDATE: On April 11, 2025, a jury convicted Monica Sementilli, spouse of well-known hairdresser Fabio Sementilli, of murder in connection with his death in 2017, where he suffered fatal injuries at their home in Los Angeles.
The year 2017 was very different for Monica Sementilli, who enjoyed a seemingly idyllic life with a lavish house, a pool, and luxury cars parked in her driveway, living in an affluent part of Los Angeles. However, after enduring almost seven years in prison amid legal complications and the COVID-19 pandemic, she was set to face trial for the murder of her husband, celebrity hairstylist and executive Fabio Sementilli.
As “48 Hours” contributor Michelle Miller outlines, the unfolding story is complex and controversial. Supporters of Monica maintain her innocence, while prosecutors frame her as culpable in a narrative steeped in desire, avarice, and homicide. The incident leading to the trial took place on January 23, 2017.
Elyse Bleuel, a friend of Monica, recounted how she immediately sensed something was awry the night of Fabio’s death when Monica reached out for her presence. “There were fire trucks outside her house, and I thought to myself, oh gosh … I could tell something was wrong,” she described. Bleuel recalled Monica weeping and devastated over her loss, emphasizing how deeply impacted she was during that traumatic time.
Fabio was a prominent figure in the beauty industry, remembered fondly by those close to him. His sister, Mirella Rota, reflected on his joyful personality and ability to uplift those around him. His son, Luigi Sementilli, also spoke about his father’s infectious spirit, illustrating the close family bonds they shared.
Fabio Sementilli’s professional acclaim came with a celebrated career, flourishing in the beauty sector after he and Mirella started cutting hair in Toronto. He met Monica, a customer and makeup artist, leading to their marriage in 1997. Their wedding, recalled by best man Joe Mercurio, was a lively event filled with joy.
In 2008, Fabio’s career took off when he assumed an executive position at the beauty company Wella, prompting the family to relocate to Los Angeles. Enjoying a lifestyle that many could only dream of, they raised their daughters, Gessica and Isabella, amidst a backdrop of appointments, luxurious possessions, and community connections.
However, tragedy struck on a January afternoon when Fabio was viciously murdered by the pool. Isabella, then only sixteen, was the one to discover her father’s lifeless body, an experience that would haunt the family.
Initially, the investigation into Fabio’s death focused on criminal enterprises plaguing Los Angeles, characterized by “knock-knock” burglaries. Surveillance footage showed two hooded individuals near the Sementilli residence at the time of the murder. Initially, detectives did not suspect Monica’s involvement since she was not home during the attack. L.A. at the time was rife with crime targeting celebrity homes, making such investigations difficult.
CRIME SCENE EVIDENCE LEADS TO A SUSPECT
In the years leading up to Fabio’s death, Hollywood celebrities were frequent victims of high-profile thefts, accumulating significant losses. Detective William Dunn of the LAPD noted their efficiency in executing crimes, indicating a structured operation behind these burglaries.
However, as the investigation into Fabio’s murder progressed, detectives uncovered blood evidence at the crime scene that did not match Fabio, leading them to a new suspect: Robert Baker, a racquetball coach with prior convictions for sexual offenses. His DNA linked him to the crime scene.
Interestingly, Baker had connections to both Monica and Fabio. In fact, authorities found that he had carried on an extensive communication record with Monica, leading to suspicions of an affair along with potential involvement in the murder.
Evidence suggested Baker had attended a wake for Fabio shortly after his murder, stirring further inquiries about his relationship with Monica and their possible conspiracy to eliminate Fabio.
ROBERT BAKER PLEADS NO CONTEST TO MURDER OF FABIO SEMENTILLI
As the investigation unfolded, Baker ultimately chose to plead no contest in 2023, accepting responsibility for the murder and receiving a life sentence without parole. Although he did not implicate Monica in his plea, it cast a shadow over her innocence. Critics within Fabio’s family and their community expressed disbelief, feeling betrayed by Monica’s supposed participation in the betrayal.
Months later, as Monica prepared for her trial, her attorneys argued the evidence against her was circumstantial at best, emphasizing that without tangible proof of conspiracy, the accusations held limited weight. They highlighted the importance of establishing a clear motive linking her to the act of murder.
Nonetheless, prosecutors maintained that Monica’s behavior leading up to and following the murder reflected an orchestrated plan between her and Baker to eliminate Fabio, notably supported by time-stamped actions and security footage from the day of the tragedy.
As the legal process entered its critical stages, opinions remained fiercely divided. While prosecutors envisioned a compelling case that portrayed a conspiracy driven by passion and financial motivations, Monica’s defense firmly contended that their claims were unsupported and riddled with preconceptions about her character.
Monica’s upcoming trial in April 2024 will draw significant attention, not just for the high-profile nature of the individuals involved but because it touches on complex themes of love, betrayal, and justice. Her daughters, Gessica and Isabella, continue to defend their mother’s character, asserting her innocence as they prepare for the unfolding legal battle ahead.
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