Tragedy struck the hair care industry on that fateful winter afternoon of January 23, 2017, when renowned Toronto hairstylist Fabio Sementilli was brutally stabbed to death on the patio of his Los Angeles home. The shocking incident occurred as he peacefully enjoyed a cigar under the warm sun. Now, more than six years later, the details surrounding his untimely demise are once again in the spotlight.
![What's going on with the Rob Baker Murder trial?](https://cdn.fleshbot.com/uploads/2023/06/Rob-baker-Monica-Sementilli-LAPD.jpg)
Months following the tragic event, LAPD homicide detectives made a significant breakthrough in the case. They arrested Sementilli's wife, Monica Crescentini, and her boyfriend, Robert Baker, on charges of murder. While the investigation unfolded, a surprising connection emerged:
Robert Baker had a previous involvement in the adult film industry, having served as the "manager" for several porn stars, including the rising star Dee and Carmen Luvana.
His own foray into performing spanned from 1997 to 2000, during which he appeared in over 80 movies for esteemed production companies such as
Wicked Pictures, Vivid Video, and Evil Angel, to name a few, including
THIS ONE (click here) called Phat Beats from Afro-Centric.
![](https://cdn.fleshbot.com/uploads/2023/06/phat-beats.jpg)
However, his past was marred by a conviction for lewd and lascivious contact with a minor, leading to his registration as a sex offender.
After leaving the adult film industry, Baker found employment in various low-paying jobs, including working as a racquetball coach. It was during this time that rumors circulated about his connection with Monica Sementilli, the wife of the murder victim, whom he reportedly met at the Woodland Hills LA Fitness, where he worked.
According to law enforcement officials, the motive for the murder revolved around sex and financial gain. It is alleged that Monica and Baker conspired to eliminate Fabio Sementilli with the intent of collecting a substantial life insurance payout. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the charges against them remain unproven in court.
The events of January 23, 2017, unfolded with chilling precision. Fabio Sementilli was alone in the backyard of his Woodland Hills residence, engrossed in television, when two hooded individuals stealthily entered his property. Without warning, they launched a vicious attack from behind, repeatedly stabbing the 49-year-old hair care executive. The assault left him with seven deep wounds to his neck, chest, and thigh, severing vital arteries. Afterward, the assailants ransacked the Sementillis' bedroom and removed the DVR containing the home security footage from the garage. Fleeing the scene, they abandoned Fabio's Porsche 911, discovered days later five miles away.
Upon returning home later that day, Fabio's youngest daughter, Isabella, made the gruesome discovery. Bloodstains and shoe prints led her to her father, lifeless and slumped over in his chair. The loss of Fabio Sementilli reverberated throughout the hair care industry, where he was highly regarded as a star stylist and an executive at Wella. Friends and colleagues remember him as a charming and witty individual, making his tragic end all the more bewildering and devastating.
Initially, investigators believed the incident to be a botched home invasion burglary. However, their focus eventually shifted closer to home, leading to the arrest of Monica Sementilli and Robert Baker almost five months after the murder. The charges against them include murder, with special circumstance allegations of lying in wait and financial gain, which, if proven, could result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
While Monica maintains her innocence, stating her profound love for her late husband, Fabio's family, and friends express their skepticism. They firmly believe that justice should be served, arguing against the recent attempt to drop the special circumstance allegations in the case. Fabio's son, Luigi, passionately wrote to the court, emphasizing the devastating impact of his father's loss and the need for truth to prevail.
As the legal proceedings continue, one crucial piece remains unresolved: the identity of the co-conspirator who allegedly participated in the murder. The search for this individual remains ongoing, underscoring the lingering questions surrounding the heinous crime that forever changed the lives of those close to Fabio Sementilli.
The original trial was sent to be held jointly for both defendants was set for October 3, 2022, in LA country; however, that has been delayed yet again. You can see the original felony complaint
here.
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