Scandalous Scam Revealed: The Shocking Murder-For-Hire Plot of 96-Year-Old Millionaire
In the picturesque bluffs of Montecito in Southern California, 96-year-old widow Violet Alberts resided in a lavish multi-million-dollar estate, rubbing elbows with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Ariana Grande.
The Tragic End of a Montecito Matriarch
After an extensive two-year investigation, the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office uncovered a complex and sinister scheme that originated with a mortgage fraud targeting Alberts and culminated in a chilling murder-for-hire arrangement that claimed her life in 2022.
A Beloved Community Icon
Sheriff Bill Brown described Alberts as a vibrant and adored member of the Montecito community, despite her advanced age. Known for her warmth and sociable nature, she remained active and engaged until the end.
The Disturbing Discovery
Alberts’ lifeless body was discovered in her bed in May 2022, the coroner revealing she had been asphyxiated, likely smothered while she slept. Additionally, deputies found baking ingredients in her kitchen, hinting at plans to celebrate her impending 97th birthday.
A Web of Deception
Investigations uncovered the financial exploitation of Alberts, with her valuable home, worth between $4 million and $11 million, at the center of the deceitful plot. It was a malicious and convoluted scheme aimed at defrauding the elderly widow.
The Fraudulent Facade
Pauline Lisa Macareno, an individual from Los Angeles, presented Alberts with a reverse mortgage offer but secretly intended to seize ownership of the widow’s esteemed property. Her actions were part of a larger plan to manipulate Alberts for personal gain.
The Sinister Conspiracy Unveiled
A murder-for-hire plot was orchestrated by Macareno, who enlisted the help of three men: Ricardo MartinDelCampo, Harry Basmadjian, and Henry Rostomyan. Their objective was to eliminate Alberts, viewing her prolonged life as an inconvenience.
Justice Served
Macareno faced legal repercussions in 2022, charged with elder abuse and fraud. She admitted guilt and received a six-year prison sentence, with additional charges of solicitation of murder pending. The trio of hired men also faced charges of murder and conspiracy.
The Tragic Aftermath
Basmadjian encountered a severe health issue while in federal custody related to an unrelated case, resulting in a bleak prognosis. Rostomyan and MartinDelCampo are currently detained without bail at the Santa Barbara County Jail, awaiting legal proceedings.
Remembering Violet Alberts
Despite her cognitive challenges, Alberts maintained a resilient spirit, evident in her plans to celebrate her birthday with homemade cookies. She may have struggled with memory lapses, but her determination and vigor never wavered.
The Financial Struggles
Alberts’ meeting with Macareno in 2020 to discuss a reverse mortgage highlighted her financial difficulties. Unfortunately, Macareno took advantage of her vulnerability, engaging in elder financial abuse that ultimately led to the unlawful acquisition of Alberts’ property.