The Murder of Fabio Simonelli: A Chilling Case of Betrayal and Deception

On January 23, 2017, Fabio Simonelli was brutally stabbed to death at his home in Woodland Hills, California. What initially appeared to be a robbery gone wrong soon unraveled into a shocking tale of betrayal and conspiracy.

The Murder Scene

Fabio, a beloved family man, was killed while sitting by his pool. Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s camera captured two suspects fleeing the scene in Fabio’s Porsche. Police speculated it could have been a robbery, but key valuables, including an $8,000 Rolex watch and a safe, were left untouched.

The investigation took a pivotal turn when blood at the crime scene, not belonging to Fabio, revealed DNA evidence leading to Robert Baker, a racquetball league director at a local gym. This gym was where Fabio’s wife, Monica Centilli, frequently played.

Suspicion Falls on Robert Baker and Monica Centilli

As detectives delved deeper, they uncovered an unsettling connection between Monica and Baker. Phone records showed thousands of calls and texts exchanged between the two. Days after Fabio’s murder, Monica hosted a wake at their home, where Baker was spotted with his hands bandaged—an injury police later attributed to the murder.

Photographs from the wake showed Monica and Baker together, raising red flags for Fabio’s family. Fabio’s sister, Mel Rota, and son, Luigi, both noted Monica’s suspicious behavior and her closeness with Baker during this time.

The Shocking Conspiracy Unveiled

Police used covert tactics, including secretly tailing Monica and Baker, to gather evidence. They eventually concluded that the pair had been having an affair and conspired to murder Fabio. Both were arrested and charged with murder in 2017.

The Courtroom Drama

Robert Baker shocked everyone in 2023 by pleading no contest to the murder, accepting a life sentence without the possibility of parole. His plea spared him a trial but left lingering questions about Monica’s involvement.

Monica, however, maintains her innocence. Supported by her daughters, Isabella and Jessica, she is set to stand trial for conspiracy to commit murder in April 2024. Her defense attorney insists that Baker’s testimony will prove Monica had no role in Fabio’s murder.

A Family Torn Apart

The Simonelli family continues to grapple with the devastating loss of Fabio. His brother expressed disbelief over Monica’s alleged betrayal, while his nieces stand firm in defending their mother.

Awaiting Justice

As Monica’s trial approaches, the case remains a chilling reminder of how betrayal and greed can lead to unimaginable tragedy. For Fabio’s loved ones, the pursuit of justice and closure is far from over.

This case serves as a somber reflection on trust, loyalty, and the darkness that can lurk beneath seemingly ordinary relationships.