Black Widow Monica Sementilli Found Guilty
- Teo Drinkovic
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Discover the Fate of Monica Sementilli, Who Planned and Executed Her Husband’s Murder with Her Lover and an Accomplice
Introduction
After eight hours and 45 minutes of jury deliberation, the panel reached a verdict on Friday, finding 54-year-old Monica Sementilli guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the killing of her husband, the renowned celebrity hairdresser, in a Woodland Hills, L.A. home in 2017. Monica broke down in tears during the verdict announcement.
The jurors also confirmed that the charges for special circumstances related to murder for financial gain and murder while lying in wait were proven. Sentencing is scheduled for June 23.
The Crime, Investigation, and Punishment
On January 23, 2017, Fabio Sementilli, a 49-year-old celebrity hairdresser, was found on the terrace of his Woodland Hills residence in California with multiple stab wounds on his neck, face, and chest. His murder took place just before the couple’s 20th wedding anniversary.
At the beginning of the investigation, police believed the incident resulted from a home invasion gone wrong. However, as evidence mounted, it became clear that the true perpetrators were Fabio’s wife, Monica, and her lover, Robert Baker—a convicted sex offender and former adult film star.
While the notorious pair awaited trial, Robert Baker opted in 2023 to admit to all charges related to the case without contesting them. He accepted the allegations brought by the prosecution without pleading guilty, was declared guilty, and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Now, the same fate looms for his accomplice and mistress, Monica Sementilli.
Another individual linked to the case, Christopher Austin, was arrested in October. He later appeared in court as a prosecution witness. During Monica’s March trial, Austin testified that he and Baker killed Fabio after Monica left the front door to their family home ajar, allowing them access to carry out the crime.
When questioned by the defense about whether the prosecution had offered any plea deal for his testimony, Austin categorically denied it. He was found guilty of second-degree murder and the use of a knife in the killing of Fabio Sementilli and faces 16 years in prison following his April sentencing.
“Today, we mark a day of healing,” said Mirella Sementilli, Fabio’s sister. “Justice has been served. This is the happiest day for our family. We are uplifted knowing that my brother can now rest in peace while the murderers responsible for his death face their rightful punishment.
”I am relieved that they will spend the rest of their lives in prison with no chance of parole,” added Fabio’s other sister, Lori Picillo.
Positions of the Prosecution and Defense
Monica’s defense team announced plans to appeal the verdict, expressing deep disappointment and insisting that Monica is innocent and had no part in her husband’s murder. Her attorney, Leonard Levine, promised to use every legal means available to secure her eventual release.
On the other side, the prosecution led by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman maintains that Monica masterminded the conspiracy to murder her husband. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman stated, “She is the one who has destroyed so many lives and shattered an entire family. There is no one else to blame.”
Prosecutors further argued that Monica wanted her husband dead so she could inherit his estate and live a life with her lover, Baker. They also allege that she attempted to destroy evidence and conceal the planning behind the crime to forge a new future together.
Baker tried to shift blame by claiming that Monica was unaware he would kill Fabio and that he acted out of a desire to have Monica exclusively for himself. However, this explanation did not convince the jury of her innocence.
Even attempts by her own lawyer to depict her as a devoted wife and mother fell flat. He described her encrypted communications with Baker as an attempt to hide an affair rather than evidence of a murder plot, yet nothing was enough to sway the verdict.
Conclusion
Though the investigation initially appeared to follow the wrong lead, the accumulation of evidence and testimony from one of the true murderers ultimately secured the conviction of the responsible parties.
Justice for the victim and her family has finally been served, proving the old saying true: "The hand of justice is slow, but it always catches up with the guilty."
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