CRIME
A New Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in 2017 Murder
Woodland Hills, USAFri Nov 01 2024
In a recent turn of events, a third suspect has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the 2017 killing of a prominent hairdresser in Woodland Hills. The man, Chris Austin, now faces a new charge of conspiracy. This follows the initial arrests of the victim's wife, Monica Sementilli, and her lover, Robert Baker, who were charged with first-degree murder. Austin's arrest came after a long period on the run, ending with his capture in Washington state. The new conspiracy charge alleges that Austin was present during the murder and conspired with the other two to kill Fabio Sementilli, the hairdresser.
The case has been complicated by conflicting testimonies and legal issues. While Monica Sementilli has maintained her innocence, the new charges against Austin suggest a broader plot. Prosecutors claim that Austin was at the scene and participated in the stabbing. Baker has already pleaded no contest to the charges, further muddying the waters of the case. The trial for Monica Sementilli has been delayed but is set to begin later this year. Austin's next court appearance is scheduled for December 2.
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questions
What are the potential ethical considerations in using insurance money as a motive in this case?
How does the timeline of events leading up to the murder support the conspiracy charge?
Are there any indications of a cover-up or destruction of evidence?