California suspects charged with murder of 96-year-old widow who baked birthday cookies: police

California authorities recently identified four suspects believed to be involved in the 2022 murder of a 96-year-old woman in Santa Barbara County.

Porter Ranch resident Pauline Macareno, 48, and Van Nuys resident Harry Basmadjian, 58, were both named as suspects in the murder of 96-year-old Monecito resident Violet Alberts on Thursday.

Los Angeles resident Ricardo MartinDelCampo, 41, and Tujunga resident Henry Rostomyan, 33, were also listed as suspects.

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Macareno was charged with elder abuse, fraud and manipulation of legal documents. The other three suspects face charges ranging from murder to conspiracy and solicitation of murder.

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Basmadjian and Rostomyan were arrested in January and February respectively, while MartinDelCampo was last arrested on March 5. According to Sheriff Bill Brown, Macareno targeted Alberts because of his wealth.

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“Through deceptive means, Macareno orchestrated a series of transactions, including the falsification of documents and the creation of fraudulent entities to illegally take control of Alberts’ assets,” he detailed.

Macareno allegedly deceived the victim into offering her a reverse mortgage in 2020. Authorities believe Macareno was motivated by Alberts’ advanced age.

“In Pauline Macareno’s eyes, Miss Alberts lived too long… She would probably die quickly, and then (Macareno) would have obtained this house through fraudulent means,” Brown said. “And so the hastening of his death is probably what was, what was behind the murder.”

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Alberts was found dead in her bed by her caretaker on May 24, 2022. Authorities later determined she died of asphyxiation and her death was ruled a homicide.

Ingredients for cookies were found on her kitchen table when authorities investigated the scene. The cookies were for his upcoming birthday.

Police found a broken window in Alberts’ bedroom, which Sheriff Bill Brown said indicated “sinister intent behind his tragic death.” In a press release, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said it worked 10,424 hours “untangling the complex web surrounding the tragic murder of Violet Alberts.”

Photos of all suspects have been released, except Basmadjian. The sheriff’s office said he “subsequently suffered a life-threatening medical emergency that left him totally incapacitated with a grim prognosis.”

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At a news conference Thursday, Alberts was fondly remembered as a beloved resident of his community.

“She was a vibrant 96-year-old widow, a cherished figure in the Montecito community,” Sheriff Bill Brown said from the stand. “Despite her age, she remained active and engaged, and she was known for her warm demeanor and social nature.”

“Her love of her home, with a pond filled with koi fish she brought back from Beverly Hills, reflected her appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. Despite challenges to her memory and cognition, the Violet’s spirit remained undaunted. This was evident in her plans to celebrate her next birthday by baking fresh cookies.”

Authorities are still investigating the incident. Anyone with relevant information about the case is encouraged to call (805) 681-4150.

Original article source: California suspects charged with murder of 96-year-old widow who baked birthday cookies: police