Celebrity Stylist Killed In Murderous Love Triangle, Police Allege

WOODLAND HILLS, CA — The wife of a celebrity hair stylist conspired with her lover to murder him for financial gain, prosecutors allege.

According to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, Monica Sementilli, 45, and Robert Louis Baker, 55, were having a longtime affair when they plotted and killed Fabio Sementilli, 49. He was found stabbed to death in his home in Woodland Hills in January. On Friday, Monica Sementilli and Baker were charged with capital murder. Prosecutors have not yet announced if they week seek the death penalty.

The murder charge against them includes the special circumstance allegations of murder for financial gain and lying in wait. The charge against Baker also includes an allegation of using a knife in the killing.

Fabio Sementilli was pronounced dead Jan. 23 by paramedics who responded to his home around 5 p.m. in the 5000 block of Queen Victoria Road.

Paramedics found the Canadian-born stylist in a pool of blood in an outdoor patio area and contacted the Los Angeles Police Department's Topanga Division.

Homicide detectives determined that Sementilli had suffered several stab wounds to his neck and upper body, police said. The victim's black 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera, which had paper plates, was missing.

According to prosecutors, Sementilli was sitting on the patio when Baker broke into the home and attacked him. Baker then allegedly stole the car and abandoned it several miles from the home.

Police said investigators believe Baker and Monica Sementilli had been having an affair for about a year and a half, and she stood to gain a sizeable benefit from a life insurance policy on her husband.

Investigators said they are still searching for information on another person who was spotted on surveillance video in the area near the killing.

Sementilli was an established hairdresser who served as vice president of education for Wella, the salon professional division of Procter and Gamble, according to Salon Friday magazine.

Monica Sementilli and Baker are expected to be arraigned some time Friday at the Van Nuys Courthouse. Both are being held without bail.

City News Service and Patch staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report. Photo: KTLA Screengrab