Wife of celebrity hairstylist Fabio Sementilli sentenced for orchestrating his murder with her porn-star lover

Wife of Celebrity Hairstylist Fabio Sementilli Sentenced to Life for Masterminding His Murder

Monica Sementilli, 53, the wife of renowned celebrity hairstylist Fabio Sementilli, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Monday, bringing a chilling close to a case defined by betrayal, greed, and a deadly love triangle. The verdict follows a lengthy trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court, where jurors found Monica guilty of orchestrating her husband’s murder to benefit from his $1.6 million life insurance policy.

A Calculated Murder for Wealth and Desire

Fabio Sementilli, widely respected in the global hair styling industry and noted for working with stars like Jennifer Lopez, Russell Crowe, and Jackie Chan, was found brutally stabbed on the patio of his Woodland Hills home in January 2017. The attack was so violent that Fabio suffered multiple stab wounds to his face, neck, chest, and thigh, yet items such as his $8,000 Rolex remained untouched, leaving detectives to question the initial appearance of a home invasion gone wrong.

Ultimately, blood evidence at the scene traced back to Robert Baker, then Monica’s lover and a former porn star. Baker, who began the affair after meeting Monica while working as her racquetball coach at a local fitness club, testified during the trial. Despite prosecutors labeling Monica as the driving force behind the killing, Baker claimed he acted out of passion, stating, “I murdered him because I wanted her.” Nevertheless, the court found overwhelming evidence that Monica masterminded and planned the killing, with another accomplice, Christopher Austin—a former parole officer—admitting she had left the door open for them. Austin, convicted of second-degree murder, later received a 16-year sentence for his role.

For comprehensive details, read the coverage from ABC7.

Justice Without Mercy

At sentencing, Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen made clear his view of Monica Sementilli’s role: “Defendant was the prime mover in this execution of a human being and consequently I am utilizing my discretion to impose the more serious of the sentences.” The defense had appealed for a lesser term of 25 years to life, but the court rejected the plea, citing the seriousness and premeditation of the crime.

Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman emphasized that the murder was motivated by “greed and lust,” and prosecutors argued that any mercy shown to Monica would disrespect the life taken and the family left behind. Monica’s actions left their two children without a father, with their youngest daughter, Isabella, reportedly being the one to discover Fabio’s body just minutes after the attack.

The victim’s family, including Fabio’s sisters, gave powerful statements at sentencing. “Only a demon could orchestrate the murder of a loving husband and savagely time it so her own daughter would come home to find her father’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood,” one sister, Loretta Picillo, said, echoing the family’s pain and sense of betrayal.

Explore more about the court’s statements and details from the trial on the Los Angeles County Government website.

The Aftermath and Continuing Fight

Robert Baker pleaded no contest in 2023 to first-degree murder and conspiracy charges and, like Monica, is serving life in prison without parole. Their accomplice, Christopher Austin, was sentenced to 16 years. While the prosecution’s case was clear, Monica’s family has publicly declared their unwavering support for her and their belief in her innocence, vowing to continue appeals and seek a reversal of the verdict.

The events have garnered international attention, with ABC’s news magazine “20/20” devoting an episode titled "Sex, Knives, and Videotape" to the case. The episode, as well as ongoing coverage through podcasts and behind-the-scenes series, further highlights the impact and fascination surrounding this tragedy.

Fabio Sementilli’s Legacy

At the time of his murder, Fabio Sementilli was vice president of education for Wella, the Salon Professional Division of P&G. He was well-known in the beauty industry for his talent, mentorship, and infectious passion, remembered fondly not just by his clients but by industry colleagues worldwide. His murder shocked the close-knit world of celebrity hair stylists and left a void in the lives of his friends, family, and the broader professional community.

For background on Fabio Sementilli’s career and impact, visit the ABC News feature.

As the legal proceedings reach their conclusion, Monica Sementilli’s conviction marks a final chapter in a case that revealed the darkness that can lie beneath seemingly perfect lives, and serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of betrayal and greed.