Monica Sementilli: Slain LA beauty exec's wife maintains innocence ahead of trial after 7 years in prison

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Monica Sementilli was charged with the 2017 murder of her husband and LA beauty executive Fabio Sementilli, 49.

Despite spending nearly seven years behind bars, Monica steadfastly maintains her innocence in the face of compelling circumstantial evidence put forth by prosecutors, as she prepares for her upcoming trial.

Timeline of Fabio Sementilli's murder

The tragic incident occurred on January 23, 2017, when Sementilli, a renowned hairstylist and beauty industry executive, was found stabbed to death by his then-16-year-old daughter Isabella.

Initially perceived as a mystery, investigators soon discovered crucial evidence from a neighbor's security camera, capturing two hooded figures near the Sementilli residence at the time of the murder.

The investigation took an unexpected turn when blood not belonging to Fabio was discovered at the crime scene, leading to the identification of Robert Baker, a racquetball league director, and a registered sex offender. Shockingly, Baker was revealed to be having an affair with Monica.

Law enforcement swiftly apprehended the duo approximately five months following the crime, charging them with conspiracy to commit murder. However, Baker later pleaded no contest and received a life sentence without parole.

Robert Baker alleged Monica Sementilli's innocence in murder plot

While Baker acknowledged his responsibility for Fabio's death, Monica did not. According to defense attorney Julie Rendelman, "There's no witnesses that we know of so far that are going to come forward and testify that she planned this murder," per CBS.

Moreover, in a surprising twist, Baker claimed in an interview that his former flame was not involved in the murder plot. "Monica did not know.  She didn't know s***.  If she did find out, I would have been in here (jail) a lot sooner," he stated, during Monica's six years of imprisonment since the crime.

Despite this assertion, prosecutors argue that Monica played a pivotal role in coordinating the conspiracy. The motive, according to former federal prosecutor Mary Fulginiti, revolves around "love and money."

Monica Sementilli's defense challenges her involvement in the murder

"This is one of the oldest crimes in the book where, you know, two lovers desperately wanting to be together, and they try to get rid of one of the spouses so they can be together for what? For financial benefit. … And that would mean the three-quarters of a million life insurance policy, the house, 401ks," she said.

Monica's defense vehemently denies her involvement in the murder conspiracy, emphasizing the lack of hard evidence against her. "There is no hard evidence, actually no evidence that establishes Monica Sementilli participated in conspiracy," said lawyer Rendelman.

Monica's trial is scheduled to begin on April 2, 2024.