At a Glance
- Monica Sementilli orchestrated her husband Fabio’s murder.
- The plot hinged on a $1.6 million life-insurance payout.
- She was sentenced to life without parole in June 2025.
- The crime unfolded on January 23, 2017 in Woodland Hills.
- Arrests were made on June 16, 2017.
Monica Sementilli, a former hair stylist and makeup artist, was the mastermind behind the murder of her husband, hairstyling legend Fabio Sementilli. The case shocked Hollywood, as Fabio was a revered industry figure with clients that included Russell Crowe and Jennifer Lopez. The investigation revealed a scheme to obtain $1.6 million from Fabio’s life-insurance policy.
The Murder and the Motive
Fabio Sementilli was found stabbed to death in the backyard of his Woodland Hills home on January 23, 2017. The assailants-Robert Baker and Christopher Austin-ran to the property, stabbed him, then fled in Fabio’s Porsche 911.
- Baker was a former porn actor and convicted sex offender.
- Austin was Baker’s accomplice.
- The murder was staged to look like a burglary.
- The Rolex on Fabio’s wrist was left untouched, indicating a non-burglary motive.
- A security-camera DVR was taken from the garage, a non-obvious location.
Arrest and Investigation
Police noticed Monica’s sudden push for the insurance payout and her proximity to Baker. Surveillance revealed Baker’s blood in the Porsche and DNA linking him to a prior sex-offense. Text messages from Monica to Baker detailed how to access the DVR.
- Monica began pressuring the insurance company for over $1 million.
- She was arrested with Baker on June 16, 2017.
- The investigation used tracking devices and monitored their trips to Las Vegas.
- Evidence included hundreds of explicit photos exchanged during the weekend of Fabio’s funeral.
Trial and Verdict
Monica faced two counts: murder with special circumstance involving financial gain, and murder while lying in wait. She pleaded not guilty. Baker pleaded no contest and received a life sentence; Austin received 15 years to life.
| Defendant | Charge | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Monica Sementilli | Murder (financial gain) | Guilty |
| Monica Sementilli | Murder while lying in wait | Guilty |
| Robert Baker | First-degree murder | Life sentence |
| Christopher Austin | Second-degree murder | 15 years to life |
- In April 2025, a jury found Monica guilty on both counts.
- District Attorney Nathan Hochman called the crime ‘cold and calculated.’
- Monica burst into tears after the verdict.
Current Status
In June 2025, Monica was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. She is incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, California. Her attorney Leonard Levine maintains her innocence and plans an appeal.
- Sentencing date: June 2025.
- Facility: Central California Women’s Facility, Chowchilla.
- Legal strategy: Appeal of conviction.
Key Takeaways
- The murder was driven by a $1.6 million insurance payout.
- Monica orchestrated the crime and was convicted on two counts.
- Robert Baker and Christopher Austin also faced severe sentences.
- Monica remains in prison, awaiting appeal.
