GUILTY CA - Fabio Sementilli, 49, renowned hairdresser, murdered in LA, 23 Jan 2017 *Arrests, 1 guilty*

[Niner]

Monday, Dec. 2nd:
*Preliminary Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) - CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Christopher Austin (38) arrested (10/17/24) & charged (10/18/24) with 1st degree murder with the special allegations of the use of a deadly weapon & charged (10/30/24) with conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty (10/18/24 for murder & 10/30/24 for conspiracy). Bond $2M. L.A. County
L.A. County Deputy DA Beth Silverman. Defense attorney Leonard Levine.
Case & Court info from 10/17/24 reference post #311 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-16
10/18/24 Update: A date is scheduled to be set then for a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to allow the case against him to proceed to trial. Next preliminary hearing on 10/30/24 @ 8:30am.
10/30/24 Update: Austin pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a newly added count of conspiracy. The conspiracy count alleges that Austin conspired with Monica Sementilli & Robert Louis Baker to kill Sementilli’s husband, Fabio. The complaint also alleges that Austin held the victim down & covered the victim’s eyes as Baker stabbed him several times with a knife & that Austin stabbed the victim in the neck with a knife, and that both men attempted to clean up the crime scene and destroy evidence. Deputy DA Heather Steggell told a judge at a hearing earlier this month that Austin was arrested in the state of Washington & subsequently extradited to Los Angeles County, where he remains behind bars in lieu of just over $2 million bail while awaiting his next court appearance on 12/2/24 for preliminary hearing.

ALSO:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 52) (wife) arrested (8/18/17), indicted (8/31/17), charged (8/18/17) & arraigned (8/31/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP. LA County
Jury Selection was set to begin on 11/18/24 continued on 12/16/24. {????}
Trial was set to begin on 12/2/24 continued on 1/2/25.
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Heather Steggell. Defense attorney Leonard Levine.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 10/23/24 reference post #316 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-16
11/5/24 Update: Defense attorney argued that they should have been informed about the arrest of Austin, saying the arrest could impact her impending trial. Judge Ronald S. Coen has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday 11/6/24 to discuss a trial date. Her trial is currently scheduled to begin in December, but many believe it may change in light of the new arrest. Next pretrial conference hearing on 11/6/24 @ 8:30am.
11/6/24 Update: Trial has now been moved to 1/2/25 & jury selection begins on 12/16/24. Next pretrial hearing on 12/2/24.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

 

[Niner]

24CJCF06119-01 The People of the State of California vs. Austin, Christopher Arraignment 12/16/2024 8:30AM Clara Shortridge Foltz Dept. - 101

link: LA Court


Monica:

Future Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
01/02/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

12/16/2024 08:30AM Jury Trial
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

Past Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
12/02/2024 08:30AM Pretrial Conference
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

link: LA Court

 

[Niner]

posted twice...

 

[dotr]

"My family comes first"

Jun 22, 2015
In our time together, Fabio’s passion for the craft and commitment to mentoring the next generation of successful professionals was clear, as was his belief in their potential. It also was clear that behind that omnipresent smile is some serious depth to what drives Fabio in his work. Most importantly (and impressively) is his understanding of the responsibility that comes with his role:

 

[Niner]

Another curveball coming in delayed Fabio Sementilli murder trial?

The long and twisting road to justice for Fabio Sementilli just hit another bump in the road.

torontosun.com

Dec. 11, 2024
....
Now, the trial is finally slated to begin on Jan. 27, 2025, in Los Angeles Superior Court, with jury selection starting on Jan. 21. But there are new wrinkles to the prosecution’s case.
[.....]
But sources told the Sun that Austin has already given up a fourth name — someone who may point the finger at the alleged black widow. Monica has denied any involvement in the crime.

Earlier, Monica’s lover Robert Baker claimed she had nothing to do with the murder of her husband. However, staring down a life sentence, he may be ready to play let’s make a deal.
[.....]
The legal proceedings have also featured a bitter battle between Monica’s legal eagles and the prosecution. In November, her team accused prosecutors of misconduct.

In dispute was the prosecution sending an email before U.S. Thanksgiving “changing their entire theory of the case, alleging there are declarations by a [new] co-conspirator implicating Ms. Sementilli.”

“None of the discovery that the people were apparently relying on and supported that motion had been produced to the defence, despite this court’s last clear order that reciprocal discovery be produced to the defence immediately,” Monica’s lawyer told the court.
[.....]
She added that the machinations were harming her client’s due process rights and right to a fair trial, adding new claims were not supported by exhibits or evidence.

The prosecution has denied any wrongdoing.

 

[Niner]

Updates!

Monica:

Future Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
01/21/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

01/07/2025 08:30AM Pretrial Conference
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

Past Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
12/09/2024 08:30AM Pretrial Conference
Held - Proceedings Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

link: LA Court

 

[Niner]

Monday, Dec. 16th:
*Arraignment Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) - CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Christopher Austin (38) arrested (10/17/24) & charged (10/18/24) with 1st degree murder with the special allegations of the use of a deadly weapon & charged (10/30/24) with conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty (10/18/24 for murder & 10/30/24 for conspiracy). Bond $2M. L.A. County
L.A. County Deputy DA Beth Silverman. Defense attorney Leonard Levine.
Case & Court info from 10/17/24 to 10/18/24 reference post #321 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-17
10/30/24 Update: Austin pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a newly added count of conspiracy. The conspiracy count alleges that Austin conspired with Monica Sementilli & Robert Louis Baker to kill Sementilli’s husband, Fabio. The complaint also alleges that Austin held the victim down & covered the victim’s eyes as Baker stabbed him several times with a knife & that Austin stabbed the victim in the neck with a knife, and that both men attempted to clean up the crime scene and destroy evidence. Deputy DA Heather Steggell told a judge at a hearing earlier this month that Austin was arrested in the state of Washington & subsequently extradited to Los Angeles County, where he remains behind bars in lieu of just over $2 million bail while awaiting his next court appearance on 12/2/24 for preliminary hearing.
12/2/24 Update: Probable cause found. Next arraignment hearing on 12/16/24 @ 8:30am.
*Monica Sementilli (45/now 52) – Pretrial conference hearing on 1/7/25. Jury selection on 1/21/25 & trial set to begin on 1/27/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

 

[Niner]

Case Number Case Title Hearing Type Hearing Date Memo Department
24CJCF06119-01 The People of the State of California vs. Austin, Christopher Pretrial Conference/Trial Setting 02/24/2025 8:30AM Clara Shortridge Foltz Dept. - 101

link: LA Court

guessing he plead not guilty. Not finding anything on his arraignment hearing.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, January 7th:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 52) (wife) arrested (8/18/17), indicted (8/31/17), charged (8/18/17) & arraigned (8/31/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP. LA County
Jury Selection was set to begin on 12/16/24 continued on 1/21/25.
Trial was set to begin on 1/2/25 continued on 1/27/25.
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Heather Steggell. Defense attorney Leonard Levine.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 11/5/24 reference post #321 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-17
11/6/24 Update: Trial has now been moved to 1/2/25 & jury selection begins on 12/16/24. Next pretrial hearing on 12/2/24. 12/2/24 Update: Next jury selection on 12/16/24 @ 8:30m.
12/9/24 Update: Proceedings happened on 12/9/24. Jury selection has been continued on 1/21/25 & trial is now set to begin on 1/27/25. Next pretrial hearing on 1/7/25 @ 8:30am.
*Christopher Austin (38) – Pretrial conference hearing on 2/24/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

 

[Niner]

For Monica:

Future Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
01/21/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

01/14/2025 08:30AM Pretrial Conference
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

Past Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
01/07/2025 08:30AM Pretrial Conference
Held - Proceedings Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

link: LA Court

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, January 14th:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (@ 8:30am PT) – CA – Fabio Sementilli (49) (Jan. 23, 2017, Los Angeles) – *Monica Sonia Crescentini Sementilli (45/now 53) (wife) arrested (8/18/17), indicted (8/31/17), charged (8/18/17) & arraigned (8/31/17) with capital murder with special circumstances of murder for financial gain & conspiracy to commit murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will not seek DP. LA County
Jury Selection to begin on 1/21/25.
Trial set to begin on 1/27/25.
Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Deputy DA Heather Steggell. Defense attorney Leonard Levine.
Court hearings from 6/5/18 thru 12/2/24 reference post #329 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...a-23-jan-2017-arrests-1-guilty.327994/page-17
12/9/24 Update: Proceedings happened on 12/9/24. Jury selection has been continued on 1/21/25 & trial is now set to begin on 1/27/25. Next pretrial hearing on 1/7/25 @ 8:30am.
1/7/25 Update: Next pretrial conference hearing on 1/14/25 @ 8:30am.
*Christopher Austin (38) – Pretrial conference hearing on 2/24/25.
*Robert Louis Baker (55/now 61) (wife’s BF) plead no contest/guilty on 7/7/23 & sentenced to life without parole.

 

[Tabulator]

Oh my gosh... Is this trial EVER going to begin?

Sheesh! I really hope so.

Thanks Niner... You are awesome!

 

[Niner]

Oh my gosh... Is this trial EVER going to begin?

Sheesh! I really hope so.

Thanks Niner... You are awesome!

Really Hoping it finally DOES start on 1/21 with jury selection!!

 

[Niner]

Looks like trial is next - HOPEFULLY!! Jury selection on 1/21 & trial is supposed to start on 1/27.


Monica:

Future Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
01/21/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101


Past Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
01/14/2025 08:30AM Pretrial Conference
Held - Proceedings Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Dept. - 101

link: LA Court

 

[dotr]

Jan 17 2025 rbbm

Fabio Sementilli killer pleads guilty and will testify against widow

One of the plotters in the 2017 murder of Toronto hairstylist Fabio Sementilli in Los Angeles pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday.

torontosun.com

''One of the plotters in the 2017 murder of popular Toronto hairstylist Fabio Sementilli at his Los Angeles home pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday.''

''Now, Christopher Austin, 38, is expected to point the finger at Sementilli’s merry widow Monica, who is scheduled to go on trial for first-degree murder on Tuesday.
Austin will be sentenced on April 30. He faces 16 years to life in prison.''

Monica Sementilli and her paramour, Robert Baker. He pleaded last summer to first-degree murder in connection with the death of her husband Fabio. She goes on trial in December. LAPD

 

[Niner]

Jan 17 2025 rbbm

Fabio Sementilli killer pleads guilty and will testify against widow

One of the plotters in the 2017 murder of Toronto hairstylist Fabio Sementilli in Los Angeles pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday.

torontosun.com

''One of the plotters in the 2017 murder of popular Toronto hairstylist Fabio Sementilli at his Los Angeles home pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday.''

''Now, Christopher Austin, 38, is expected to point the finger at Sementilli’s merry widow Monica, who is scheduled to go on trial for first-degree murder on Tuesday.
Austin will be sentenced on April 30. He faces 16 years to life in prison.''
View attachment 558336
Monica Sementilli and her paramour, Robert Baker. He pleaded last summer to first-degree murder in connection with the death of her husband Fabio. She goes on trial in December. LAPD

Oh good! Hopefully there WILL be a trial for her come this Tuesday.

 

[Niner]

Had to look & see if Austin still had a hearing on 2/24 - nope - right to sentencing.

Case Number Case Title Hearing Type Hearing Date Department
24CJCF06119-01 The People of the State of California vs. Austin, Christopher Sentencing Hearing 04/30/2025 8:30AM Clara Shortridge Foltz Dept. - 101

link: LA Court

and Monica still shows jury selection begins on 1/21/25.

 

[geevee]

Oh good! Hopefully there WILL be a trial for her come this Tuesday.

Thank goodness! Being a Cali trial, it will probably take almost as long to get through it as it has to get to it, but with both accomplices pleading guilty, the chances of her escaping a lengthy prison sentence are much lower.

Does anyone know if cameras are allowed in the courtroom, and if so, is L&C or CTV going to steam?

 

[Niner]

Thank goodness! Being a Cali trial, it will probably take almost as long to get through it as it has to get to it, but with both accomplices pleading guilty, the chances of her escaping a lengthy prison sentence are much lower.

Does anyone know if cameras are allowed in the courtroom, and if so, is L&C or CTV going to steam?

Do not personally know - but either one might! You would think! It is a big case.

 

[geevee]

Do not personally know - but either one might! You would think! It is a big case.

I hope so!