Co-defendant Sentenced 16 Years-Life Murder LA Hairdresser

Christopher Austin, who pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in the 2017 stabbing death of Woodland Hills hairdresser Fabio Sementilli, was sentenced to 16 years to life in state prison. Austin, a former parole and probation officer, served as a key prosecution witness in the trial of Monica Sementilli, Fabio's wife, who was convicted of masterminding the murder for financial gain and faces life without parole. Robert Louis Baker, Monica's lover and a convicted sex offender, also pleaded no contest to first-degree murder and conspiracy and is serving life without parole; he claimed he killed Fabio to be with Monica more. Prosecutors said Monica and Baker conspired to kill Fabio to collect approximately $1.6 million in life insurance proceeds. Austin testified that Baker told him Monica wanted her husband dead, though Austin never spoke directly with Monica about the crime. The case has deeply affected the family, with the couple's daughters expressing disappointment over Austin's plea deal.