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Guilty verdict makes Monica Sementilli eligible for a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for murder of her husband

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that a jury today convicted Monica Sementilli of murdering her husband, renowned hairdresser Fabio Sementilli, in 2017.

Following a 10-week-long trial, jurors found defendant Monica Sementilli guilty of one count of murder with special circumstance allegations that the killing was carried out for financial gain and by means of lying in wait. She also was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder.

The verdict makes her eligible for a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“This was a cold and calculated crime motivated by greed and betrayal,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Today’s verdict ensures that those responsible for this ruthless act will be held accountable. Our office remains steadfast in the pursuit of justice for victims and their families. We extend our deepest sympathies to Fabio Sementilli’s loved ones as they continue to mourn his tragic loss.”

Prosecutors proved that Monica Sementilli and her co-defendant, Robert Louis Baker, were involved in a romantic affair and conspired to kill 49-year-old Fabio Sementilli in his Woodland Hills home in case BA452975.

On Jan. 23, 2017, Baker fatally stabbed Fabio Sementilli as he sat on his patio, then fled the scene in the victim’s Porsche, which was later found abandoned miles away. Baker previously pleaded guilty to first-degree, special circumstances murder of Fabio Sementilli, killing him with a knife, and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman of the Major Crimes Division and Deputy District Attorney Heather Steggell of the Organized Crime Division. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division.

“I want to acknowledge the exceptional work of the prosecution team of Beth Silverman and Heather Steggell in presenting their case with professionalism and diligence,” District Attorney Hochman added. “These experienced prosecutors and detectives investigated and prosecuted this case over eight years, painstakingly putting together each piece of this murder puzzle to overcome the lies and deception of Monica Sementilli and her lover who thought they had made a clean getaway.”

Sentencing for Monica Sementilli is scheduled for June 23 in Department 101 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.