Santa Barbara, California – Authorities in Santa Barbara County revealed on Thursday that the death of a 96-year-old woman in Montecito almost two years ago was linked to a sophisticated murder-for-hire and reverse-mortgage scam. The victim, Violet Evelyn Alberts, was found deceased in her home with evidence of foul play, sparking an extensive investigation by detectives.
Sheriff Bill Brown described the case as a complex web of financial exploitation aimed at gaining control of Alberts’ valuable property. The scheme involved Pauline Macareno, who approached the elderly widow with an offer for a reverse mortgage but ultimately engaged in deceitful tactics to manipulate and defraud Alberts.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives discovered that Alberts had become the target of a murder-for-hire plot. Two men, Ricardo MartinDelCampo and Henry Rostomyan, were implicated in the scheme after being found near Alberts’ home just days before her death. The premeditated nature of the crime became apparent as law enforcement pieced together the suspects’ calculated efforts.
MartinDelCampo and Rostomyan were subsequently arrested and charged with murder and conspiracy in connection to Alberts’ death. Another individual, Harry Basmadjian, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy. Macareno, who had been previously arrested and sentenced for fraud related to the case, now faces additional charges in the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Brown emphasized the heinous nature of the crime, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly individuals to financial exploitation. The case serves as an extreme example of a broader trend, with a significant increase in financial crimes targeting older adults reported in recent years.
Alberts, a beloved figure in the Montecito community known for her warm personality, fell victim to a ruthless scheme that exploited her financial distress. The tragic outcome of the case underscores the need for greater awareness and protection for vulnerable individuals at risk of financial exploitation.
The investigation into Alberts’ death continues, with law enforcement utilizing surveillance footage, forensic analysis, and other tools to uncover the full extent of the crime. The arrests made in connection to the case mark a significant step towards seeking justice for the victim and holding those responsible for the crime accountable.