Disclaimer: This story contains details of a crime. Reader discretion is advised.
Fabio Sementilli was a well-known Canadian hair entrepreneur who was found dead in 2017, which sent a huge wave around the beauty industry. In January of 2017, Fabio was found murdered outside of his Woodland Hills house in Los Angeles. It was initially thought to be a robbery gone wrong.
However, later on, it was discovered that it was a case of murder for hire scheme. The prime suspect for the crime was his wife, Monica Sementilli.
Fabio was a respected figure in the international hair industry. He had worked with several international brands, such as Wella. He was known to be a kind and generous person who was admired both by his clients and his colleagues.
During the investigation, it was discovered that his wife, Monica, was having an affair with Robert Baker. Robert was a convicted sex offender and a former adult film star.
They both planned the murder of Fabio to collect the hefty amount of a $1.6 million life insurance policy. Though it took months of investigations, police finally had enough evidence to catch and charge Baker and Monica for the murder of Fabio.
#BREAKING: #MonicaSementilli has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of her celebrity hairstylist husband #FabioSementilli.
Monica was convicted of plotting with her lover, Robert Baker, to kill Fabio to continue their affair and cash in a life… pic.twitter.com/yZHrtPNG28
— Court TV (@CourtTV) June 23, 2025
After years of judicial processes and court dates, Monica’s conviction came out of nowhere. On April 11, 2023, she was found guilty of first-degree murder under extraordinary circumstances. It also included lying in wait and financial gain.
The jury concluded that the evidence was extensive against Monica, and they pointed to a purposeful and calculated murder plot.
On June 23, 2023, Monica’s sentence was announced. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced Monica’s sentence of life in prison. Her imprisonment was without the possibility of release.
During sentencing, Judge Ronald Coen stated that Monica was the “prime mover” in the scheme. He rejected any possibility of mercy.
On 4/11/2025, at 8 hours & 45 mins, Monica Sementilli was found guilty of conspiring premeditated murder of the late
Sementilli. On 6/23/2025, She was just sentenced to life in prison without parole.
From faux tears to being cuffed out of court, is a good day. pic.twitter.com/nxYDQH31hb— LittleLeigh (@LittleLeighXoxo) June 23, 2025
Monica didn’t act alone. Her lover, Robert Baker, was also involved in the planning and execution of the murder. Prosecutors say Baker entered the Sementilli residence with an accomplice, Christopher Austin. He then violently attacked Fabio.
Security footage was tempered. They also stole Fabio’s Porsche to give the incident the appearance of a home invasion.
After Fabio Sementilli was murdered, his wife, Monica, held a wake at their house.
At the wake, Fabio’s sister, Mirella, noticed Monica talking to a man named Robert Baker, who was later arrested for Fabio’s murder. https://t.co/l2scw9DviQ pic.twitter.com/pN1gL2m4IB
— 48 Hours (@48hours) March 10, 2024
Baker pled no contest in July 2023 when he was charged with murder and conspiracy. He was also sentenced to life without parole. Christopher Austin pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. He received a 16-year to life sentence after collaborating with authorities. He also testified against both Baker and Monica.
Fabio’s family was relieved after the sentence was handed down. However, the emotional scars remained. In a moving courtroom speech, Fabio’s sister, Loretta Picillo, stated that Monica had been welcomed as family for over 20 years.
Just a clip of the most intense impact statements I’ve ever heard. #MonicaSementilli #JusticeForFabio
Full video: https://t.co/pHvmfXPsGn pic.twitter.com/q59XjJJar6
— The Trial Channel (@trialchannel_) June 23, 2025
“She betrayed all of us,” Picillo said as she broke down and explained the agony of betrayal by someone they all had trusted.
DA Nathan Hochman called Monica’s conduct a “cold-blooded” and “calculated” scheme. He said she was motivated by “greed and lust.”
He applauded the prosecution and investigators for delivering justice to a family ravaged by terrible grief.
