Eight Years After His Death, Fabio Sementilli’s Wife Found Guilty of His Murder

April 11, 2025 — The international beauty industry icon is remembered for his enduring legacy of mentorship and education as justice is served in the Los Angeles courtroom.

Nearly a decade after the tragic death of renowned global hair educator Fabio Sementilli, a Los Angeles jury has returned a verdict in the case that shocked the professional beauty industry. His wife, Monica Sementilli, was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with his 2017 death.

The verdict brings a long-awaited measure of justice to the family, friends and colleagues who have spent the past eight years mourning Fabio’s loss. While the outcome marks the close of a lengthy legal process, it is Fabio’s life—not his death—that continues to inspire generations of artists around the world.

A Lifelong Champion for the Craft of Hairdressing

Fabio Sementilli was a transformative figure in the beauty world. Born in Toronto to Italian immigrants, he began his career sweeping floors in a neighborhood barbershop at 16. With determination, vision and a genuine passion for people, he rose to become Vice President of Education for Wella, one of the industry’s most prestigious global brands.

Over the course of three decades, Fabio shaped the careers of countless hair professionals through his tireless work as an educator, speaker and mentor. He traveled the world delivering technical trainings and motivational talks, always with the goal of elevating stylists from service providers to recognized artists and entrepreneurs.

Those who knew him remember not only his leadership and knowledge, but his warmth. Whether speaking on a stage or walking into a salon, he made time for everyone—from emerging assistants to top platform artists—always learning their names, offering encouragement and making them feel seen.

A Devoted Father and Advocate for Kindness

Despite his busy travel schedule and international responsibilities, Fabio remained deeply committed to his family. He often spoke of his children—Isabella, Luigi and Gessica—with immense pride, describing fatherhood as the most important role of his life.

He was known among friends for saying, “I just want to build a better world for my children—one where people are kind, creative and courageous.” That belief in kindness and courage infused every aspect of his work and personal life.

The Case: A Verdict Eight Years in the Making

On January 23, 2017, Fabio Sementilli was found fatally stabbed at the family’s Woodland Hills, California home. Initially believed to be a burglary gone wrong, the investigation ultimately revealed a calculated and premeditated plan involving his wife, Monica Sementilli, and her then-lover, Robert Baker.

Prosecutors presented thousands of text messages, burner phone records and surveillance evidence documenting a months-long plot to carry out the crime, which they argued was financially motivated. Baker, who had traveled from Texas to California, was identified as the individual who carried out the attack. Both were later charged.

Over the course of 38 trial days, the prosecution called 44 witnesses, laying out extensive digital and forensic evidence. The defense presented 13 witnesses in an attempt to shift blame away from Monica, but the jury ultimately found the evidence compelling and conclusive.

On April 11, 2025—eight years to the day since Fabio was laid to rest—Monica Sementilli was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. She faces a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

An Industry Reflects and Remembers

In the days following up to the verdict, members of the global hair community have once again turned to social media to remember Fabio not with sorrow, but with gratitude. Tributes have poured in from across the world—stylists, salon owners, educators and executives sharing stories of how Fabio influenced their careers and lives.

Some speak of turning points: career advice given backstage, moments of encouragement that reignited their confidence. Others remember small but unforgettable gestures—a hug, a handshake, a kind word at just the right time. Many simply write, “Thank you, Big Daddy,” a nickname he carried with pride.

“Fabio was larger than life—both on stage and in person. He was an exceptional educator and a gifted hairdresser and left a mark on every hairdresser who came in contact with him,” said Mary Rector, BTC Founder. 

A Legacy That Lives On

Fabio Sementilli’s contributions to the beauty industry cannot be measured by titles or accolades alone. His true legacy lies in the way he made people feel—valued, capable, inspired. He believed deeply in education, mentorship and the transformative power of artistry.

Eight years later, his vision continues to guide the industry he helped shape. Through the educators he empowered, the artists he mentored and the communities he championed, his spirit remains present—and his impact, everlasting.