Will the jury believe Monica Sementilli’s claim that she was not involved in planning her husband’s murder?

Monica Sementilli, a former hairdresser and beauty executive, was living a luxurious life in Los Angeles in 2017 until her husband, Fabio Sementilli, was found murdered in their home. Investigators discovered blood at the crime scene that did not belong to Fabio, leading them to DNA evidence that eventually led to a suspect, Robert Baker, a racquetball coach connected to Monica. The case against Monica involves allegations of a conspiracy to kill Fabio, with prosecutors claiming she and Baker were having an affair and planned the murder to reap financial benefits, including life insurance and property.

Elyse Bleuel, a friend of Monica, described the scene at Monica’s home the night Fabio was killed, where Monica was devastated by the loss of her husband. Fabio, a well-known figure in the beauty business, was described by loved ones as a happy and optimistic person. Fabio and Monica met in Toronto and married in 1997 before moving to Los Angeles, where they built a life together with their two daughters. Fabio’s murder initially appeared to be the work of a burglary, but investigators found evidence pointing to a more sinister plot.

Investigators connected the murder to the notorious knock-knock burglars operating in Los Angeles at the time. Surveillance footage showed two hooded figures near the Sementilli home around the time of the murder, one of whom was identified as Baker. Monica’s involvement in the murder was alleged to be part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by her and Baker. The prosecution built a case against Monica based on her actions before and after the murder, as well as her alleged relationship with Baker. Key pieces of evidence included surveillance video, text messages, and Monica’s behavior leading up to the murder.

Monica’s defense team argued that the evidence against her was circumstantial and did not establish her involvement in a conspiracy to kill Fabio. They maintained that Baker acted alone in committing the murder. Despite the mounting evidence against her, Monica’s daughters stood by her, proclaiming her innocence. Baker ultimately pleaded no contest to the murder, accepting responsibility for the crime. Monica’s trial was scheduled to begin in April, with the prosecution seeking to prove her involvement in the conspiracy. The case highlighted the complexities of relationships and the lengths some individuals will go to for financial gain.