How a Hollywood hairstylist's murder by wife's ex-porn star lover revealed secrets, lust, and desire for life insurance payday



More than eight years have passed since a popular Hollywood hairstylist was stabbed to death on the patio of his home in an affluent San Fernando Valley neighborhood outside Los Angeles, California.

Now a high-profile murder trial has opened — and it has revealed secrets, lust, and a desire for a huge life insurance payday, all stemming from a deadly love triangle.

'Deny everything and don’t talk.'

Celebrity hairstylist Fabio Sementilli, 49, was found bleeding to death on the patio of his Woodland Hills home on Jan. 23, 2017. His 16-year-old daughter Isabella called 911 while trying in vain to save her father.

Sementilli suffered seven sharp force wounds to his face, jawline, chest, neck, arm, and thigh — and his wounds proved fatal.

Initially, police believed the stabbing death was connected to burglars who had committed a string of home thefts in the San Fernando Valley. The bedroom of Sementilli's home was ransacked, and his Porsche was stolen. The vehicle was found abandoned two days after his murder about five miles from the crime scene.

However, detectives noted that the alleged burglars didn't steal the Hollywood hairstylist's $8,000 Rolex watch — it was still on his wrist.

A neighbor's security camera also captured video of two hooded figures running near Sementilli's house around the time of the slaying.

In addition, on the day Fabio Sementilli was murdered, a neighbor's security camera caught his 52-year-old wife, Monica Sementilli, driving her black Ford F-150 pickup truck. Prosecutors said she drove to a Target retail store, and video appeared to show an individual getting into her truck in the parking lot.

Prosecutors accused Monica Sementilli of making a trip to Target to establish her alibi, according to CBS News.

Another man emerges

Detectives discovered that Monica Sementilli had a close relationship with Robert Louis Baker — a former porn star and convicted sex offender.

The pair reportedly met at the West Hills L.A. Fitness, where Baker was a racquetball coach.

Police said Monica Sementilli and Baker were seen together in cars, bars, a comedy club, and on two trips to Las Vegas, as well as an excursion to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

LAPD detectives hatched a plan to secretly listen to Monica and Baker from a van parked near the home she previously shared with her late husband.

With that, police pulled over the pair when Baker was driving Monica's black Ford Mustang GT on June 14, 2017 — less than six months after the murder. Officers allegedly told the couple that the car they were in might have been stolen. Monica and Baker were handcuffed and placed in the back seat of a police cruiser.

But little did the pair know that cops had wired the police vehicle to record their conversation.

Monica was recorded telling Baker, "Somebody must have talked. Somebody is doing this to us."

She also reportedly told him, “Deny everything and don’t talk.”

'Prosecutors have argued that Monica Sementilli "was the mastermind" of the plot to kill her husband, a Canadian hairstylist and executive of the German hair-care giant, Wella.'

The pair was arrested and taken to the LAPD Van Nuys Station for questioning.

On the day of her arrest, a detective told Monica that Baker's blood was found inside her home.

She allegedly said she "cracked" Baker on the finger with a racquet and he bled all over a racquetball court. Monica added that she gave him a towel and then brought that bloody towel home with her.

Investigators allegedly found DNA belonging to Baker at the crime scene. What's more, his DNA already was in a police database because he was a registered sex offender after being convicted for lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor in 1993.

According to prosecutors, Baker cut his left index finger when he killed Fabio.

The Los Angeles Times reported, "In more than 50 days of trial, prosecutors have argued that Monica Sementilli 'was the mastermind' of the plot to kill her husband, a Canadian hairstylist and executive of the German hair-care giant, Wella. Her goal was to pocket $1.6 million in life insurance and avoid the complications of getting a divorce, prosecutors allege."

Prosecutors also pointed out that Monica Sementilli upgraded the security camera system at her home six months before Fabio's brutal murder — but the upgrade allegedly allowed her to remotely access her surveillance cameras from her cell phone.

Prosecutors accused her of forwarding the security camera system's log-in credentials and user manual to Baker on the same day of the upgrade.

At the time Fabio Sementilli was killed, phone records reportedly showed Monica Sementilli's iPhone was connected to her home's IP address and that the phone was consuming a large amount of data consistent with streaming live video.

Prosecutors allege that she was watching live video from her home security cameras.

According to the indictment, detectives discovered thousands of phone calls and text messages exchanged between Monica and the ex-porn star.

During a grand jury hearing in August 2017, friends of Monica Sementilli and Baker testified that they went out on double dates and saw affectionate behavior between the pair.

Baker also allegedly admitted to buying burner phones — one of which was in Monica’s purse when she was arrested in her Ford Mustang GT.

Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman spotlighted that Monica Sementilli actually used the burner phone during her late husband's funeral proceedings in his hometown of Toronto, Canada.

Baker also allegedly admitted that Monica Sementilli sent him naked photos of herself with her wedding ring still on her finger shortly after her husband's murder.

“Everyone grieves differently,” Baker proclaimed.

At the conclusion of the grand jury hearing, Monica Sementilli and Baker both were indicted for murder and conspiracy, and they both pleaded not guilty to the murder of Fabio Sementilli.

However, Baker on July 7, 2023, changed his plea in connection with the hairstylist's murder from not guilty to no contest.

Baker was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

An alleged accomplice surfaces

Police determined that Christopher Austin, a parole officer in Oregon, was Baker's accomplice in killing Fabio.

Detectives said Baker transferred money between two of his bank accounts for Austin. Baker also bought an airline ticket for Austin to travel from Anchorage, Alaska, to Los Angeles before the slaying, according to the police.

Austin was arrested in October 2024 and then convicted of second-degree murder in connection with his role in the killing.

He is scheduled for sentencing next month and is facing up to 16 years in prison.

Austin said he and Baker had been to Sementilli's house before and knew the layout — and Austin also told the jury that Baker revealed to him a crucial piece of information.

He said Baker "told me ... she is gonna leave the door unlocked," and Austin allegedly testified that he opened the patio door and grabbed Fabio Sementilli by the mouth to muffle any screams while Baker repeatedly stabbed him.

In addition, Austin reportedly told the jury that the hairstylist’s widow “wanted him dead” so she could collect the life insurance payout and avoid a messy divorce.

But Baker testified at Monica Sementilli's trial last week that she had nothing to do with her husband's murder.

“I murdered him because I wanted her,” Baker told jurors in a Los Angeles courtroom. "She had nothing to do with it."

You can view video here of Baker explaining in court why he killed Fabio Sementilli.

Monica Sementilli’s attorney, Blair Berk, said during opening statements that there was no evidence that her client plotted to kill Fabio Sementilli.

"There is no statement, no text, no recorded phone call,” Berk said, adding that Monica Sementilli was “duped into believing that Robert Baker” didn’t do it.

Despite Baker being in prison, the pair reportedly continued to communicate via three-way calls using a third-party number.

"Baker acknowledged that in one secret message sent to him in prison, Monica Sementilli asked him to send her something personal of his," the Los Angeles Times reported. "Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies later seized a toothpaste tube that contained Baker’s semen, and prosecutors say he intended to have it delivered to the defendant."

Monica Sementilli, through her attorneys, has maintained her claim that she had no part in her husband's death.

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Victim brutally beaten by gang of bike-riding thugs speaks out: 'I'm thankful to God that it was only as bad as it was'



Maurice Benaim had no grand plans for how he'd spend the rest of his Saturday last month in Los Angeles.

“My day was so vanilla," Benaim told KNBC-TV. "All I wanted to do was go to the store, get my tangerine juice, maybe get some food, and watch the Lakers game."

'I just hope it's a sign for them and their friends to maybe put down the violence.'

But a gang of 20 to 30 teens riding bicycles changed all of that.

Benaim — who was driving his car — told KNBC the bicycle-riding teens took over the intersection of San Vicente Boulevard and Carillo Drive around 5 p.m. Feb. 22. The area is about 10 minutes southeast of Beverly Hills.

Benaim told the station he honked his horn to alert one of the riders.

"I was trying to notify the kid that [the traffic light is] turning red, and I'm going to be right behind you — and make sure he doesn't hit me," he recounted to KNBC.

Then, Benaim told the station, "His friend gets upset."

With that, the bike riders threatened Benaim, allegedly told him one of them had a gun, and then smashed his right taillight, KNBC said.

Benaim stopped his car and got out, the station said, adding that he was immediately overwhelmed as bike riders surrounded him and began viciously punching, kicking, and stomping him.

Cellphone video shows the mob of at least a dozen beating up the lone man who winds up flat on his back, barely moving in the middle of the busy street. Los Angeles Police said the attacking bike riders are between 16 and 18 years old. They all fled before officers and first responders arrived.

A KTLA-TV video report noted that the bike riders were "attacking cars all along" San Vicente Boulevard when one man called them out.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and treated the victim, who sustained minor and visible injuries, police said, adding that the victim declined to be taken to the hospital.

Benaim suffered injuries to his head and face, KNBC said. Nearly a week after the attack, he told the station he's still in pain and struggles with sleep due to his injuries as well as the emotional and psychological toll the attack had on him.

"Daily, it gets better," he added to the station. "I find something to be happy about."

In the wake of the beatdown, two teens have been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, KCAL-TV reported, citing the office of city Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who represents the area where the attack took place. The suspects' identities were not released, KABC-TV said.

Benaim told KNBC he hopes that by sharing his story the rest of the suspects will come forward and recognize the impact of their actions: "I just hope it's a sign for them and their friends to maybe put down the violence."

You can view KNBC's video report here; it includes the station's interview with Benaim.

Police said those with information about the attack should call Wilshire Area’s Detective Carlos, Serial No. 41244, at 213-922-8229. During nonbusiness hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247), police said, adding that those wishing to remain anonymous should call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Police added that tipsters can download the “P3 Tips” mobile app and select L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Not a new trend

Blaze News has covered numerous stories about violent crimes carried out by such gangs on wheels. In L.A., a mob of about 30 teenagers on bicycles were caught on video brutally beating up and robbing a lone man last August.

But sometimes, they just rob businesses. Bicycle-riding mobs looting 7-Elevens was a recent trend in L.A. Also last August, a mob of about 20 individuals pulled off three nighttime smash-and-grab robberies in a span of 20 minutes. In September, 50 juveniles on bicycles easily ransacked and robbed a 7-Eleven in L.A. and escaped police. But later that same month, there was a small break when a handful of parents turned in their kids after L.A. police shared nearly 200 surveillance images of recent 7-Eleven mob robberies by "youthful males."

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2 teens arrested after bike-riding mob ganged up on lone victim, viciously punching, kicking, stomping him in broad daylight



Two teenagers have been arrested after a bike-riding mob ganged up on a lone victim in a Los Angeles intersection about a week ago, viciously punching, kicking, and stomping him in broad daylight.

The two teens have been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, KCAL-TV reported, citing the office of city Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who represents the area where the attack took place. The suspects' identities were not released, KABC-TV said.

'One eye was closed, he had a black eye. The jaw was swollen; he did not look good at all, which is really, really sad. It should not happen. It’s extremely sad for everyone to see. It’s scary.'

Cell phone video shows a mob of at least a dozen repeatedly punching, kicking, and stomping the victim, who winds up flat on his back, barely moving in the middle of the busy street. Los Angeles Police said the attacking bike riders are between 16 and 18 years old.

Police said Wilshire Area officers responded around 5 p.m. Feb. 22 to the area of San Vicente Boulevard and Carrillo Drive for an assault with a deadly weapon investigation. The area is about 10 minutes southeast of Beverly Hills.

"Officers met with witnesses, who initially observed the victim get into an argument with the suspects, who consisted of a group of 20-30 bicyclists," police said.

A KTLA-TV video report noted that the bike riders were "attacking cars all along" San Vicente Boulevard when one man called them out.

Police added that "after a couple of suspects struck and kicked the victim’s vehicle, the victim exited his vehicle to confront them. A physical altercation ensued, which resulted in additional suspects joining the altercation. The suspects immediately overwhelmed the victim, punching and kicking the victim, even after he had been pushed and pulled down to the ground. When witnesses approached to intervene, the suspects left the area together, riding their bicycles southbound on Carrillo Drive."

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and treated the victim, who sustained minor and visible injuries, police said, adding that the victim declined to be taken to the hospital.

Natasha Espinal, who told KNBC-TV she knows the victim's family, said in reference to the victim that "one eye was closed, he had a black eye. The jaw was swollen; he did not look good at all, which is really, really sad. It should not happen. It’s extremely sad for everyone to see. It’s scary."

KNBC added that Espinal has been in contact with the victim’s mother, who reached out to her neighbors to see if anyone recognized the teenagers who assaulted her 27-year-old son.

An Instagram user claiming to be a witness wrote that "we saw a guy get jumped by a group of teenagers on bicycles" and that it "took more than 20 minutes for paramedics to arrive and another 10 minutes for police to arrive. You can thank the @mayorofla for that. The victim could have died if his injuries were more severe. The level of trauma he and his family are now going through is heartbreaking. I will say I am grateful for the 6 people who stayed to help which included a Navy nurse who stayed with the victim."

Police said those with information about the attack should call Wilshire Area’s Detective Carlos, Serial No. 41244, at 213-922-8229. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247), police said, adding that those wishing to remain anonymous should call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Police added that tipsters can download the “P3 Tips” mobile app and select L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Not a new trend

Blaze News has covered numerous stories about violent crimes carried out by such gangs on wheels. In L.A., a mob of about 30 teenagers on bicycles were caught on video brutally beating up and robbing a lone man last August.

But sometimes they just rob businesses. Bicycle-riding mobs looting 7-Elevens was a recent trend in L.A. Last August, a mob of about 20 individuals pulled off three nighttime smash-and-grab robberies in a span of 20 minutes. In September, 50 juveniles on bicycles easily ransacked and robbed a 7-Eleven in L.A. and escaped police. But later that same month, there was a small break when a handful of parents turned in their kids after L.A. police shared nearly 200 surveillance images of recent 7-Eleven mob robberies by "youthful males."

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Kamala Harris's Far-Left Protégée To Deliver Progressive Wing's State of the Union Response as Former Vice President Reportedly Eyes Governor's Mansion

Kamala Harris's protégée, far-left Rep. Lateefah Simon (D., Calif.), will deliver the progressive response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on behalf of the Working Families Party next week. Simon, a defund the police advocate and so-called rising star in the Democratic Party, praised Harris after the former vice president swore her into office last month.

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Anti-ICE activists dox agents, sabotaging operations — Homan seeks retribution



Activists in the Los Angeles area doxxed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducting operations nearby, and border czar Tom Homan is pursuing criminal prosecution.

Fox News' Bill Melugin shared a photo earlier this week of a poster featuring several photographs of ICE and Homeland Security Investigations officers, as well as their names and phone numbers.

'This shouldn't be controversial.'

He explained that the bulletins, posted around Southern California, roughly translated from Spanish to read, "Careful with these faces."

"These armed agents work in Southern California. ICE and HSI racially terrorize and criminalize entire communities with their policies. They kidnap people from their homes and from the streets, separating families and fracturing communities. Many people have died while locked up in jails, prisons, and detention centers," it continued.

The poster warned that the law enforcement agents were expected to conduct some type of operation last Sunday.

"Per multiple federal law enforcement sources, anti ICE activists, which have been disrupting & live streaming ICE operations in the LA area in recent days, have now put up posters doxing SoCal ICE & HSI agents, revealing their faces, names, & phone numbers. I'm told ICE is aware and investigating," Melugin explained. "It is unclear which activist group is posting these."

On Wednesday, Homan addressed the doxxing plot on "Fox & Friends," stating that the posters "crossed the line."

Homan noted that, due to ongoing death threats, he has 24/7 security around his home.

"I know what it's like to be doxxed," he told Fox News. "These agents don't deserve that. These agents put a gun on their hip and wear a Kevlar vest every day, trying to make their communities safer."

He reiterated that the current deportation efforts are "focusing on the worst of the worst," including criminal and national security threats.

Homan stated that he had scheduled a meeting with Department of Justice officials to determine what can be done about the doxxing activists who are thwarting ICE's operations.

"I think it crossed the line of impeding a federal law enforcement officer in the performance of their duties. So I'm hoping we find out who these people are and we can criminally prosecute them," he added.

A Los Angeles FBI spokesperson told Fox News, "The FBI safeguards Constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of speech and assembly. However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice."

Earlier this week, a DHS spokesperson told Fox News that the activists' attempts were "putting targets on the backs of our law enforcement as they shield MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and other vicious gangs that traffic women and children, kidnap for ransom, and poison Americans with lethal drugs."

"These individuals will be held accountable for obstructing the law and justice. This shouldn't be controversial," the spokesperson added.

The news outlet reported that anti-ICE activists sabotaged a federal law enforcement operation on Sunday involving ICE, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. ICE stated that the operation was not a raid.

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Even After LA Mayor Terminated Top Fire Lesbian, City Still Places DEI Above Competence

The Federalist obtained whistleblower EMT training that tells LAFD medics to use 'preferred pronouns' and 'inclusive terms.'

Video: Gang of thugs on bicycles surround, pummel lone victim in broad daylight until he's on his back, barely moving



Los Angeles Police said a group bike riders — ranging in age between 16 and 18 years old — physically attacked a lone male victim at an intersection in broad daylight Saturday.

The carnage was captured on cellphone video, which shows the mob of at least a dozen repeatedly punch, kick, and stomp on the victim, who winds up flat on his back and barely moving in middle of the busy street.

'The victim could have died if his injuries were more severe. The level of trauma he and his family are now going through is heartbreaking.'

Police said Wilshire Area officers responded around 5 p.m. to the area of San Vicente Boulevard and Carrillo Drive for an assault with a deadly weapon investigation. The area is about 10 minutes southeast of Beverly Hills.

"Officers met with witnesses, who initially observed the victim get into an argument with the suspects, who consisted of a group of 20-30 bicyclists," police said.

A KTLA-TV video report noted that the bike riders were "attacking cars all along" San Vicente Boulevard when one man called them out.

Police added that "after a couple of suspects struck and kicked the victim’s vehicle, the victim exited his vehicle to confront them. A physical altercation ensued, which resulted in additional suspects joining the altercation. The suspects immediately overwhelmed the victim, punching and kicking the victim, even after he had been pushed and pulled down to the ground. When witnesses approached to intervene, the suspects left the area together, riding their bicycles southbound on Carrillo Drive."

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and treated the victim, who sustained minor and visible injuries, police said, adding that the victim declined to be taken to the hospital.

Natasha Espinal, who told KNBC-TV she knows the victim's family, said in reference to the victim that "one eye was closed, he had a black eye. The jaw was swollen; he did not look good at all, which is really, really sad. It should not happen. It’s extremely sad for everyone to see. It’s scary."

KNBC added that Espinal has been in contact with the victim’s mother, who reached out to her neighbors to see if anyone recognized the teenagers who assaulted her 27-year-old son.

An Instagram user claiming to be a witness wrote that "we saw a guy get jumped by a group of teenagers on bicycles" and that it "took more than 20 minutes for paramedics to arrive and another 10 minutes for police to arrive. You can thank the @mayorofla for that. The victim could have died if his injuries were more severe. The level of trauma he and his family are now going through is heartbreaking. I will say I am grateful for the 6 people who stayed to help which included a Navy nurse who stayed with the victim."

Police said those with information about the attack should call Wilshire Area’s Detective Carlos, Serial No. 41244, at 213-922-8229. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247), police said, adding that those wishing to remain anonymous should call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Police added that tipsters can download the “P3 Tips” mobile app and select L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Not a new trend

Blaze News has covered numerous stories about violent crimes carried out by such gangs on wheels. In L.A., a mob of about 30 teenagers on bicycles were caught on video brutally beating up and robbing a lone man last August.

But sometimes they just rob businesses. Bicycle-riding mobs looting 7-Elevens has become a kind of trend in Los Angeles lately. Also last August, a mob of about 20 individuals pulled off three nighttime smash-and-grab robberies in a span of 20 minutes. In September, 50 juveniles on bicycles easily ransacked and robbed a 7-Eleven in L.A. and escaped police. But later that same month, there was a small break when a handful of parents turned in their kids after L.A. police shared nearly 200 surveillance images of recent 7-Eleven mob robberies by "youthful males."

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LA Fire Department Chief Fired

'Bass has been under scrutiny herself since the fires first broke out in January'

Karen Bass Boots LA Fire Chief After Blaming Her for Ghana Trip

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass (D.) on Friday terminated city fire chief Kristin Crowley, whom she accused earlier this week of failing to warn her about last month's wildfire threats before Bass traveled to Ghana. In a press release, Bass said "1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch." At the time the flames erupted on Jan. 7, Bass herself was at a cocktail party in Ghana.

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Karen Bass Remained in Ghana as LA Fire Department Escalated Wildfire Warnings—Undercutting Her Claim She Wasn’t Warned About Impending Dangers

As the Los Angeles Fire Department publicly upgraded its warnings of extreme fire threats, Mayor Karen Bass opted to remain in Ghana, where she was attending a cocktail party when wildfires broke out in her city last month. The department pointed to its escalating alerts after Bass accused fire chief Kristin Crowley on Tuesday of failing to adequately warn her of impending danger.

The post Karen Bass Remained in Ghana as LA Fire Department Escalated Wildfire Warnings—Undercutting Her Claim She Wasn’t Warned About Impending Dangers appeared first on .