**Murder of Hair-Care Executive Leads to Shocking Trial and Sentencing**
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The brutal murder of Fabio Sementilli, a 49-year-old hair-care executive, emerged as a tragic chapter in Woodland Hills, California, following the discovery of his body on January 23, 2017. Fabio, well known for styling celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Love Hewitt, was found with multiple stab wounds in the backyard of his home, setting off a complex investigation that would take years to unfold.
The alarm was raised just before five o’clock that evening when his daughter, Isabella Sementilli, called 911, frantic and distressed. “My dad is outside, and he’s bleeding. He won’t wake up!” the 16-year-old reported, having returned from school to a scene of chaos. Upon the police’s arrival, they discovered Fabio’s body near his favourite chair on the patio, with seven stab wounds inflicted from behind—a clear indicator of a sudden and vicious attack.
Detectives, including retired LAPD officer Barry Telis, noted that the circumstances of the attack appeared calculated and unexpected. The investigation would reveal layers of deceit and betrayal, particularly focusing on Fabio’s wife, Monica Sementilli, and her alleged involvement in her husband’s murder. Described as a well-liked family man, Fabio’s death raised numerous questions about who would want him dead, especially given his seemingly perfect family life.
Monica, 54, a former makeup artist who had been married to Fabio since 1997, initially claimed to have left her husband at home for an errand before discovering the horrific scene upon her return. Although she appeared distraught during the subsequent memorial for her husband, some close to the family found her behaviour unusually composed, raising suspicions. Fabio’s sister, Lori Picillo, recalled seeing Monica engaged in conversation with Robert Baker, a trainer at her gym, during the memorial. “They are talking very close,” Picillo remarked, prompting concern about their relationship.
As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered troubling links between Monica and Baker, a 63-year-old with a history of convictions, including sex crimes. DNA evidence collected from the murder scene and Fabio’s vehicle, which was found abandoned nearby, matched that of Baker, further implicating him in the crime. Surveillance footage also captured two individuals near Fabio’s home shortly before the murder, heightening suspicion surrounding Baker.
In a baffling turn of events, while publicly mourning her husband and pressing for a $1.6 million life insurance payout, Monica’s actions appeared more focused on financial gain rather than seeking justice. According to Detective Telis, Monica’s inquiries about the life insurance settlement were clear: “[She was] not like, ‘Who killed my husband?’ It was, ‘I want the money. Show me the money.’”
In June 2017, both Monica and Baker were arrested—Monica was charged with conspiracy to murder her husband, while Baker faced first-degree murder charges. Initially, both pleaded not guilty. However, after years of legal proceedings, Baker altered his plea to guilty in 2023, signalling a significant development in the case.
The investigation also led to the identification of Christopher Austin, 40, Baker’s friend and co-conspirator, whose eventual confession provided critical testimony against Monica. Austin accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder and was instrumental in the case against her.
On April 11, 2025, Monica Sementilli was convicted of her husband’s murder and subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Baker received the same sentence, while Austin was handed a 15-year-to-life term.
The repercussions of Fabio’s murder have left his family deeply affected. Lori Picillo expressed the family’s profound shock, noting, “Monica grieved with us. She held us tight. We were all shocked to the core.”
The story of Fabio Sementilli’s tragic demise and the resulting trial has captured public attention and will be further explored in the upcoming episode of “People Magazine Investigates”, titled “The Final Cut”, set to air on March 9 on Investigation Discovery and stream on HBO Max. As the family continues to mourn, the case stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of trust within relationships.