Montecito, California – A 96-year-old widow known for her vibrant spirit and warm demeanor was tragically killed in her home in what authorities describe as a murder-for-hire plot intertwined with financial exploitation. Violet Evelyn Alberts was found dead in her Montecito residence on May 27, 2022, sparking an investigation by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon discovering a broken window at the back of Alberts’ home, deputies delved into the circumstances surrounding her death, which a medical examiner later determined to be a result of asphyxiation classified as homicide. Further probing revealed a distressing tale of manipulation and deceit, as Alberts had allegedly been coerced into signing over her valuable property in the affluent neighborhood.
The investigation exposed the central figure, Pauline Macareno, 48, as the mastermind behind the calculated exploitation of Alberts. Macareno, who was introduced to Alberts when the elderly widow was in need of financial assistance, engaged in a series of fraudulent acts, including forging documents and establishing phony entities to gain control of Alberts’ assets.
Authorities revealed that Macareno’s deceptive tactics led to the acquisition of Alberts’ property through a reverse mortgage scheme. Despite uncertainties surrounding the motivation behind the murder, it was suggested that in Macareno’s eyes, Alberts had lived past her deemed expiration date.
Macareno’s arrest in June 2022 on charges of elder abuse, fraud, and manipulation of legal documents marked the beginning of a complex legal battle. Subsequently, three other individuals, Harry Basmadjian, Henry Rostomyan, and Ricardo MartinDelCampo, were also apprehended in connection to the case, facing charges ranging from murder to conspiracy and solicitation of murder.
As the investigation unfolds, Alberts is remembered as a cherished figure in the Montecito community, despite her lack of nearby family members. Her tragic end, while baking cookies to celebrate her impending birthday, serves as a harrowing reminder of the dangers posed by exploitation and manipulation of vulnerable individuals in society.
Sheriff Brown emphasized the ongoing efforts to seek justice for Alberts and unravel the intricate web of deceit that led to her untimely demise, urging the community to remain vigilant against similar financial exploitation schemes targeting the elderly.