Santa Barbara, California – Detectives have uncovered a disturbing scheme surrounding the death of a 96-year-old California woman nearly two years ago. Violet Evelyn Alberts was found dead in her Montecito home on May 27, 2022, with authorities determining she was the victim of an elaborate murder-for-hire and reverse-mortgage scam aimed at gaining control of her property.
Sheriff Bill Brown revealed that the investigation into Alberts’ death unveiled a complex web of financial exploitation against the elderly woman. The scheme began when Pauline Macareno, 48, offered Alberts a reverse mortgage on her home. However, Macareno’s intentions were far from genuine, as she engaged in fraudulent activities to illegally seize control of the property.
Further examination revealed that Alberts had become the target of a murder-for-hire plot. Two men, Ricardo MartinDelCampo and Henry Rostomyan, were identified as having conducted a scouting trip to Alberts’ home just days before her death. Both men were arrested and are facing charges of murder and conspiracy in connection with Alberts’ death.
In addition to Macareno, who has already been sentenced to six years in state prison for fraud related to the case, a third man, Harry Basmadjian, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy. The investigation pointed to a premeditated crime, shedding light on the calculated efforts of the perpetrators to carry out their heinous actions.
Sheriff Brown emphasized that Alberts was a beloved figure in the Montecito community, known for her warm demeanor and love for life’s simpler pleasures. Her tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of elderly individuals to financial exploitation and fraud.
As authorities continue to unravel the details of the case, it highlights the growing issue of elder fraud across the country. With a significant increase in reported losses in recent years, it is crucial to address the systemic vulnerabilities that allow for the victimization of elderly individuals in various financial schemes. The investigation into Alberts’ death remains ongoing as authorities work to bring justice to those responsible for the senseless crime.