A jury found Monica Sementilli guilty of murder for the 2017 death of her husband, Fabio Sementilli, who was beaten and stabbed in their Los Angeles home. Robert Baker, who also pleaded no contest to the murder, denied any involvement by Monica. Despite facing overwhelming evidence, Monica’s attorneys are hopeful for a not guilty verdict at trial. Baker’s decision to plead no contest without a deal was based on his belief in due process, despite facing life without parole. The conversation with Baker revealed his reluctance to discuss certain topics, but he vehemently denied the allegations against Monica. Despite facing challenges from prosecutors, Monica continues to fight for her innocence in the case. He and Monica used encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Viber to communicate, as well as shared her family’s home security system login. When questioned about these actions, he dismissed them as insignificant. Despite the potential suspicion these actions could raise, he remained adamant that they should not be used against him or Monica.
Additionally, messages on Facebook where Baker mentioned living with Monica in the future were also downplayed by him as just a casual conversation between friends. However, the prosecutor saw these conversations as revealing and potentially incriminating, especially considering the timing of Fabio’s murder.
During his sentencing hearing, Baker showed emotion, repeating “heartbreaking” as family members expressed their devastation over Fabio’s death. When asked if he wanted to apologize to Fabio’s family, he only repeated the word “heartbreaking” without offering a direct apology.
Baker acknowledged meeting with Monica’s defense attorneys, possibly to testify on her behalf. While he did not confirm whether he would testify, he insisted that it would be to tell the truth, not necessarily to help Monica. The potential for his testimony to clear Monica’s name was seen as a significant development by her defense team.
Despite his criminal background and acting experience in the porn industry, Baker chose to focus on the prosecution’s claim that Monica was leading a double life after Fabio’s murder. He denied this accusation, stating that Monica’s grief over Fabio’s death was genuine and intense.
He claimed that their relationship had ended once Monica discovered he was the killer, citing her parting words of anger towards him. The revelation of love letters signed “your wifey… Monica Baker ‘til death” sent in jail further complicated the narrative of their relationship. Cuando apareció repentinamente un diputado del sheriff, Baker se dio la vuelta y se fue, terminando nuestra entrevista abruptamente.
Afuera, esperaba mi autobús junto a un letrero que decía “Cuidado con los Leones de Montaña, No Dejar Niños Sin Supervisión”. Disfrutando del aire fresco y nítido de la montaña, reflexioné sobre una conversación animada, pero cautelosa, que reveló destellos de sinceridad ya sea intencional o inadvertidamente de un asesino.