In a case that gripped the beauty industry and true crime followers alike, Monica Sementilli was found guilty on Friday of orchestrating the savage murder of her husband, Fabio Sementilli — a renowned hairstylist and industry icon.
A Los Angeles County jury delivered the verdict after a 10-week trial, convicting Monica of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including murder for financial gain and lying in wait. The shocking details of the murder plot revealed a twisted blend of betrayal, greed, and a secret affair.
A Life Taken Too Soon
Fabio Sementilli, 49, was widely celebrated in the hair and beauty industry. As vice president of education for Wella, he traveled globally to inspire and mentor hairstylists.
On January 23, 2017, he was found dead on the back patio of the couple’s upscale Woodland Hills home, with multiple stab wounds to his face, neck, and upper body. The grisly scene initially pointed to a home invasion gone wrong — Fabio’s Porsche was missing, and the home appeared to have been targeted by burglars.
But as police dug deeper, it became apparent that the crime was anything but random. Surveillance footage and forensic evidence led authorities to suspect an inside job. A significant breakthrough came when DNA from under Fabio’s fingernails matched that of a man named Robert Louis Baker, who was later revealed to be Monica’s secret lover.
A Chilling Conspiracy
Prosecutors argued that Monica Sementilli, 45 at the time of the killing, plotted the murder alongside Baker to cash in on a $1.6 million life insurance policy and eliminate her husband of 21 years. The two had been engaged in an extramarital affair for over a year, and according to prosecutors, saw Fabio’s death as a way to start a new life together funded by the insurance payout.
On the day of the murder, Baker and an accomplice, Christopher Austin, entered the Sementilli home through a back door prosecutors say Monica intentionally left unlocked. Fabio, unaware of the plot, was watching TV when he was ambushed. He was stabbed more than a dozen times and left to die on the patio.
Monica later returned home with one of their daughters and made a 911 call reporting the gruesome scene.
The plan involved more than just physical execution. Prosecutors presented evidence of over 2,000 messages exchanged between Monica and Baker, many of which were deleted but later recovered.
The messages showed that Monica had planned to keep Fabio away from his work and family obligations the day of the attack, allegedly to provide the killers with a clear window of opportunity.
Evidence and Testimony
The case broke open when detectives began connecting digital and physical evidence. DNA found under Fabio’s fingernails and on the murder weapon linked Baker to the crime. His phone records and GPS data placed him at the scene, and deleted text messages between Baker and Monica hinted at coordinated planning.
Christopher Austin, who drove Baker to the Sementilli residence, took a plea deal and testified against the couple. He told jurors that Monica had previously welcomed him and Baker into her home and provided detailed information about the property. He also testified that Monica promised Baker financial support once the insurance money was collected.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors painted Monica as cold and calculating. She sobbed in court at times, but jurors were not convinced of her innocence. The defense, meanwhile, tried to cast doubt by arguing that Monica had no knowledge of the murder and that Baker acted alone in a jealous rage. But jurors saw through the strategy.
Verdict and Sentencing
On April 11, 2025, the jury found Monica Sementilli guilty of first-degree murder with special circumstances. She now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2025.
Robert Baker had previously pleaded no contest to murder and conspiracy charges in 2023. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Austin was convicted of second-degree murder and is serving a 16-year sentence.
“This case was about greed, betrayal, and a heartless plot to end the life of a man who was loved by so many,” said Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, who prosecuted the case. “Fabio Sementilli gave everything to his family and his industry, only to have his life stolen by those closest to him.”
Reaction from the Family
Outside the courtroom, members of the Sementilli family expressed relief and heartbreak. Fabio’s sisters gave emotional statements, saying that justice had finally been served but that nothing could bring their beloved brother back. “We trusted her.
She was part of our family for more than two decades,” one sister said of Monica. “But she betrayed that trust in the most horrific way possible.”
Fabio’s two daughters, who lived with Monica after the murder and supported her initially, have not spoken publicly since the guilty verdict.
The Legacy of Fabio Sementilli
Known affectionately as “Big Daddy,” Fabio was a mentor to thousands in the hairstyling world. His death left a massive void in the industry. Tributes poured in from across the globe in the weeks following his murder, with colleagues recalling his generosity, creativity, and passion for education.
Many industry professionals have since created scholarships and memorial awards in his name to continue his legacy.
Justice After a Long Wait
It took more than eight years to bring the case to trial, but the guilty verdict has brought a measure of closure to those who knew and loved Fabio. The story is a haunting reminder that sometimes the most dangerous betrayals come from within the home.
For ongoing updates on sentencing and similar criminal cases, visit the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.