Dateline Host

Chetna, thank you so much for giving us this preview before this trial starts. A fascinating, fascinating case. Nice talking to you. Coming up, it's Dateline Roundup. We've got an update on an important pretrial ruling in the Karen Reed case. And the latest from the trial of the West Virginia pharmacist accused of poisoning her husband.

Chetna, thank you so much for giving us this preview before this trial starts. A fascinating, fascinating case. Nice talking to you. Coming up, it's Dateline Roundup. We've got an update on an important pretrial ruling in the Karen Reed case. And the latest from the trial of the West Virginia pharmacist accused of poisoning her husband.

Plus, tips from NBC News senior investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen on how to steer clear of disaster-related scams. Welcome back. Joining me for this week's Dateline Roundup is Dateline producer Sue Simpson. and leaving him to die in the snow back in 2022. Reid pleaded not guilty. Her murder trial ended with a deadlocked jury and a retrial set for April of this year.

Plus, tips from NBC News senior investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen on how to steer clear of disaster-related scams. Welcome back. Joining me for this week's Dateline Roundup is Dateline producer Sue Simpson. and leaving him to die in the snow back in 2022. Reid pleaded not guilty. Her murder trial ended with a deadlocked jury and a retrial set for April of this year.

Sue, we have some new information.

Sue, we have some new information.

Karen Reid, of course, had so many supporters at the courthouse during her trial. We talked about that before. But even in the bitter cold this past weekend, some of them were out in force across New England at protests they're calling standouts.

Karen Reid, of course, had so many supporters at the courthouse during her trial. We talked about that before. But even in the bitter cold this past weekend, some of them were out in force across New England at protests they're calling standouts.

Amazing. An arctic blast does not deter Karen Reid supporters. Up next, an update on a story we told you about last week. This is the murder trial of Natalie Cochran. She is the West Virginia pharmacist accused of poisoning her husband with insulin. Sue, what's the latest from the courtroom?

Amazing. An arctic blast does not deter Karen Reid supporters. Up next, an update on a story we told you about last week. This is the murder trial of Natalie Cochran. She is the West Virginia pharmacist accused of poisoning her husband with insulin. Sue, what's the latest from the courtroom?

On Friday, an FBI chemist testified about the evidence central to the prosecution's case against Natalie. The vial of insulin recovered from the Cochran's home. What did he tell the jury?

On Friday, an FBI chemist testified about the evidence central to the prosecution's case against Natalie. The vial of insulin recovered from the Cochran's home. What did he tell the jury?

Up next, we're headed to a Las Vegas courtroom with an update in the murder case against hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur's alleged killer. His name is Dwayne Keefy D. Davis. Remind us about the murder itself, Sue. It certainly has been a very long time.

Up next, we're headed to a Las Vegas courtroom with an update in the murder case against hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur's alleged killer. His name is Dwayne Keefy D. Davis. Remind us about the murder itself, Sue. It certainly has been a very long time.

Chen had been facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder for allegedly stabbing Jasmine 60 times in 2022, then packing her into a suitcase and leaving the suitcase next to a creek. His defense? That Jasmine had actually attacked him and that he'd killed her spontaneously before covering up her death out of shame.

Chen had been facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder for allegedly stabbing Jasmine 60 times in 2022, then packing her into a suitcase and leaving the suitcase next to a creek. His defense? That Jasmine had actually attacked him and that he'd killed her spontaneously before covering up her death out of shame.

So his murder has been unsolved, fueling conspiracy theories until, of course, an arrest was made in 2023. Dwayne Davis, he was charged with the murder. How does law enforcement say he was connected to the crime?

So his murder has been unsolved, fueling conspiracy theories until, of course, an arrest was made in 2023. Dwayne Davis, he was charged with the murder. How does law enforcement say he was connected to the crime?

So they feel that he incriminated himself with those words. Davis's team filed a motion in the beginning of January seeking dismissal of the charges against him.

So they feel that he incriminated himself with those words. Davis's team filed a motion in the beginning of January seeking dismissal of the charges against him.

These past few months, our hearts have gone out to those impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and the wildfires in Los Angeles. The devastation is truly massive. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed. Thousands of people have lost their homes or been displaced. So many of us, of course, want to help.

These past few months, our hearts have gone out to those impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and the wildfires in Los Angeles. The devastation is truly massive. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed. Thousands of people have lost their homes or been displaced. So many of us, of course, want to help.

Unfortunately, according to the Federal Communications Commission and the Better Business Bureau, scammers often take advantage of natural disasters to prey both on those looking to give help and those most in need of it. So here to give us some tips on how to avoid getting scammed is NBC News Senior Consumer Investigative Correspondent Vicki Wynn. Vicki, thanks for joining us again.

Unfortunately, according to the Federal Communications Commission and the Better Business Bureau, scammers often take advantage of natural disasters to prey both on those looking to give help and those most in need of it. So here to give us some tips on how to avoid getting scammed is NBC News Senior Consumer Investigative Correspondent Vicki Wynn. Vicki, thanks for joining us again.

Yeah, I know you're going to have amazing tips on this subject. So, Vicki, in the past week or so, we've seen lots of fundraising links go up for things like GoFundMe on social media. I've seen some that have surpassed $100 million. But I've also heard there are some fake GoFundMes going around where scammers are posing as disaster victims and pocketing the money, which is so horrible.

Yeah, I know you're going to have amazing tips on this subject. So, Vicki, in the past week or so, we've seen lots of fundraising links go up for things like GoFundMe on social media. I've seen some that have surpassed $100 million. But I've also heard there are some fake GoFundMes going around where scammers are posing as disaster victims and pocketing the money, which is so horrible.

If you want to donate, how can you be sure the money is actually going to the people who need it?

If you want to donate, how can you be sure the money is actually going to the people who need it?

Totally.

Totally.

When we talked about this trial last week, the prosecution was making its case. The defense took over on the holiday weekend. Here to fill us in on what we missed is Dateline producer Mario Garcia and associate producer Jess Koenig. Hey, guys.

When we talked about this trial last week, the prosecution was making its case. The defense took over on the holiday weekend. Here to fill us in on what we missed is Dateline producer Mario Garcia and associate producer Jess Koenig. Hey, guys.

You know, I have a lot of friends who've been displaced. I have one friend who lost his house. What can people do who are looking for help right now as they start thinking about the long process of rebuilding?

You know, I have a lot of friends who've been displaced. I have one friend who lost his house. What can people do who are looking for help right now as they start thinking about the long process of rebuilding?

Yeah. So that could be an opportunity for scammers to step in. What should you watch out for on this end of it?

Yeah. So that could be an opportunity for scammers to step in. What should you watch out for on this end of it?

No, do not give it.

No, do not give it.

There will be a lot of rebuilding in the coming weeks and months and, of course, years.

There will be a lot of rebuilding in the coming weeks and months and, of course, years.

Hey, Andrea. Thanks for having us. All right, let's do a quick reminder of this case. It's the one where Jasmine's family took matters into their own hands.

Hey, Andrea. Thanks for having us. All right, let's do a quick reminder of this case. It's the one where Jasmine's family took matters into their own hands.

The best defense is listening to Vicki because these tips are so, so good. Vicki, thank you for everything you're doing to help people.

The best defense is listening to Vicki because these tips are so, so good. Vicki, thank you for everything you're doing to help people.

Such good work on this, Vicki. Thank you.

Such good work on this, Vicki. Thank you.

That's it for this episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly. Next week, we'll have the latest from the courtroom and the run-up to Brian Koberger's summer trial. You can read more about the cases featured on the podcast on our website, datelinetruecrimeweekly.com. And if you have any questions or comments for us, you can reach us on social media at DatelineNBC.

That's it for this episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly. Next week, we'll have the latest from the courtroom and the run-up to Brian Koberger's summer trial. You can read more about the cases featured on the podcast on our website, datelinetruecrimeweekly.com. And if you have any questions or comments for us, you can reach us on social media at DatelineNBC.

And coming up this Sunday on Dateline, after a Pittsburgh dentist predicts his own death, his friends and family vow to track down his killer. It does seem outrageous that this person is not being looked at closer.

And coming up this Sunday on Dateline, after a Pittsburgh dentist predicts his own death, his friends and family vow to track down his killer. It does seem outrageous that this person is not being looked at closer.

You can watch my classic two-hour mystery, The Premonition, this Sunday on NBC at 9, 8 central. And if you have any questions or comments for us, you can reach us on social media at Dateline NBC. To get ad-free listening for all our podcasts, subscribe to Dateline Premium. Thanks for listening. Dateline True Crime Weekly is produced by Frannie Kelly and Katie Ferguson.

You can watch my classic two-hour mystery, The Premonition, this Sunday on NBC at 9, 8 central. And if you have any questions or comments for us, you can reach us on social media at Dateline NBC. To get ad-free listening for all our podcasts, subscribe to Dateline Premium. Thanks for listening. Dateline True Crime Weekly is produced by Frannie Kelly and Katie Ferguson.

Our associate producers are Carson Cummins and Caroline Casey. Our senior producer is Liz Brown-Koroloff. Production and fact-checking help by Sara Kadir. Veronica Mzeika is our digital producer. Rick Kwan is our sound designer. Original music by Jesse McGinty. Bryson Barnes is head of audio production. Paul Ryan is executive producer. And Liz Kohl is senior executive producer of Dateline.

Our associate producers are Carson Cummins and Caroline Casey. Our senior producer is Liz Brown-Koroloff. Production and fact-checking help by Sara Kadir. Veronica Mzeika is our digital producer. Rick Kwan is our sound designer. Original music by Jesse McGinty. Bryson Barnes is head of audio production. Paul Ryan is executive producer. And Liz Kohl is senior executive producer of Dateline.

And according to the prosecution and the defense, their actions of going in there kind of lit a fire under the police. And then that led to a search warrant. And they found blood on the rug and floors, which was huge in this. The blood, in their words, all over the apartment, bedroom, bathroom. It was everywhere. So Jason Chen has admitted to killing Jasmine.

And according to the prosecution and the defense, their actions of going in there kind of lit a fire under the police. And then that led to a search warrant. And they found blood on the rug and floors, which was huge in this. The blood, in their words, all over the apartment, bedroom, bathroom. It was everywhere. So Jason Chen has admitted to killing Jasmine.

You're listening in to Dateline's morning meeting in 30 Rockefeller Center.

You're listening in to Dateline's morning meeting in 30 Rockefeller Center.

His defense lawyer said as much in his opening statement.

His defense lawyer said as much in his opening statement.

So really, at the heart of this is, was it premeditated or not? The medical examiner testified last week for the prosecution. Did the medical examiner's testimony support that it was premeditated?

So really, at the heart of this is, was it premeditated or not? The medical examiner testified last week for the prosecution. Did the medical examiner's testimony support that it was premeditated?

Right. In the suitcase, she had handcuffs on that locked her wrist to her ankle. One of the key witnesses for the defense was a neighbor who overheard something.

Right. In the suitcase, she had handcuffs on that locked her wrist to her ankle. One of the key witnesses for the defense was a neighbor who overheard something.

Which can connect, you know, to possibly that this was a spontaneous fight.

Which can connect, you know, to possibly that this was a spontaneous fight.

Welcome to Dateline True Crime Weekly. I'm Andrea Canning. It's January 23rd, and here's what's on our docket. In California, eight years after a celebrity hairstylist was found stabbed to death on his patio, his widow is set to stand trial for allegedly masterminding his murder with her lover.

Welcome to Dateline True Crime Weekly. I'm Andrea Canning. It's January 23rd, and here's what's on our docket. In California, eight years after a celebrity hairstylist was found stabbed to death on his patio, his widow is set to stand trial for allegedly masterminding his murder with her lover.

But there was a witness for the prosecution that poked a big hole in that narrative that A tech investigator for the district attorney, right?

But there was a witness for the prosecution that poked a big hole in that narrative that A tech investigator for the district attorney, right?

Closings were on Monday. The prosecution's first argument was quite methodical going through everything again.

Closings were on Monday. The prosecution's first argument was quite methodical going through everything again.

What did the defense say in their closing argument?

What did the defense say in their closing argument?

So the jury got the case at about 4.30 Monday afternoon. How long did they deliberate for?

So the jury got the case at about 4.30 Monday afternoon. How long did they deliberate for?

That has got to be one of the shortest deliberation times I've ever heard.

That has got to be one of the shortest deliberation times I've ever heard.

Yeah, that's so true, because you had told us that in this trial, the jurors could ask in real time. Jason's mother gave a statement at the sentencing hearing the day after the verdict.

Yeah, that's so true, because you had told us that in this trial, the jurors could ask in real time. Jason's mother gave a statement at the sentencing hearing the day after the verdict.

Did Jasmine's family speak?

Did Jasmine's family speak?

That's heartbreaking. The jury also had say in the sentencing.

That's heartbreaking. The jury also had say in the sentencing.

Mario and Jess, thank you for covering this for us. Thank you, Andrew.

Mario and Jess, thank you for covering this for us. Thank you, Andrew.

Up next, with her trial set to begin in Los Angeles, we've got all the details in the case of the widow accused of masterminding a plot to murder her celebrity hairstylist husband. Will her lover testify for or against her?

Up next, with her trial set to begin in Los Angeles, we've got all the details in the case of the widow accused of masterminding a plot to murder her celebrity hairstylist husband. Will her lover testify for or against her?

In January 2017, respected Hollywood hairstylist and executive Fabio Semantilli was found stabbed to death on the patio of his multi-million dollar mansion in the upscale Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. There had been a run of burglaries in the area, and the crime seemed like a break-in gone wrong until six months later.

In January 2017, respected Hollywood hairstylist and executive Fabio Semantilli was found stabbed to death on the patio of his multi-million dollar mansion in the upscale Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. There had been a run of burglaries in the area, and the crime seemed like a break-in gone wrong until six months later.

In Dateline Roundup, rap icon Tupac Shakur was gunned down 30 years ago. This week, his accused killer appeared in court. And an update on the trial of the West Virginia pharmacist accused of poisoning her husband.

In Dateline Roundup, rap icon Tupac Shakur was gunned down 30 years ago. This week, his accused killer appeared in court. And an update on the trial of the West Virginia pharmacist accused of poisoning her husband.

Here's what our affiliate NBC4 Los Angeles had to say at the time.

Here's what our affiliate NBC4 Los Angeles had to say at the time.

Monica Semantilli, Fabio's wife of almost 20 years, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. And she wasn't the only one. Her lover, a man named Robert Louis Baker, was also charged. Both pleaded not guilty. Now, after eight years, Monica's trial is set to begin next week. Dateline producer Chetna Joshi is here to break down the story for us. Chetna, welcome to the podcast.

Monica Semantilli, Fabio's wife of almost 20 years, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. And she wasn't the only one. Her lover, a man named Robert Louis Baker, was also charged. Both pleaded not guilty. Now, after eight years, Monica's trial is set to begin next week. Dateline producer Chetna Joshi is here to break down the story for us. Chetna, welcome to the podcast.

Happy to be here. So many of our datelines start out this way where, you know, police have to look at could this have been, you know, a more random murder? There was a string of burglaries in the area. In this case, though, there were some details that stuck out to the detectives that maybe this wasn't one of those burglaries.

Happy to be here. So many of our datelines start out this way where, you know, police have to look at could this have been, you know, a more random murder? There was a string of burglaries in the area. In this case, though, there were some details that stuck out to the detectives that maybe this wasn't one of those burglaries.

Yeah, that's something you would very likely want to take if you're a burglar. Right. This got investigators thinking that this could be an inside job. And one thing they discovered was that Monica was having an affair.

Yeah, that's something you would very likely want to take if you're a burglar. Right. This got investigators thinking that this could be an inside job. And one thing they discovered was that Monica was having an affair.

So his name is Robert Lewis Baker. Their affair had been going on for, what, about a year and a half? According to the documents, yeah.

So his name is Robert Lewis Baker. Their affair had been going on for, what, about a year and a half? According to the documents, yeah.

Was there any evidence left at the crime scene that, you know, pointed perhaps to... the man Monica's having an affair with.

Was there any evidence left at the crime scene that, you know, pointed perhaps to... the man Monica's having an affair with.

Plus, NBC News senior consumer investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen is back. In the wake of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Vicky has tips on how to avoid disaster-related scams wherever you live.

Plus, NBC News senior consumer investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen is back. In the wake of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Vicky has tips on how to avoid disaster-related scams wherever you live.

From the beginning, prosecutors said that Monica wasn't involved in the actual murder, but that she helped plan it.

From the beginning, prosecutors said that Monica wasn't involved in the actual murder, but that she helped plan it.

Yes. Today it is cold. Our editorial team is catching up on breaking crime news around the country.

Yes. Today it is cold. Our editorial team is catching up on breaking crime news around the country.

In July 2023, Baker ended up pleading no contest to the murder charges.

In July 2023, Baker ended up pleading no contest to the murder charges.

Most of the time with these cases, you know, it's kind of like who's first when there's a couple of people involved and who's going to flip on the other, you know, to get a better deal. Did we see that in this case? Did Baker flip on Monica?

Most of the time with these cases, you know, it's kind of like who's first when there's a couple of people involved and who's going to flip on the other, you know, to get a better deal. Did we see that in this case? Did Baker flip on Monica?

So you mentioned, Shetna, that there were on the video the two men in hoodies. What happened to this other man if Monica's at Target and you've got two guys on the video?

So you mentioned, Shetna, that there were on the video the two men in hoodies. What happened to this other man if Monica's at Target and you've got two guys on the video?

I always think about, you know, hairstylists and how close they get to their clients. And this must have been such a shock for so many, so many people connected to Fabio and his family.

I always think about, you know, hairstylists and how close they get to their clients. And this must have been such a shock for so many, so many people connected to Fabio and his family.

But before all that, we're heading to Chattanooga, where there have been some big developments in a story we've been watching closely on the podcast, the murder trial of Jason Chen. There were sobs and cheering in a Tennessee courtroom earlier this week when Jason Chen's 10-day trial for murdering his girlfriend, Jasmine Pace, came to a rapid conclusion.

But before all that, we're heading to Chattanooga, where there have been some big developments in a story we've been watching closely on the podcast, the murder trial of Jason Chen. There were sobs and cheering in a Tennessee courtroom earlier this week when Jason Chen's 10-day trial for murdering his girlfriend, Jasmine Pace, came to a rapid conclusion.

Chetna, thank you so much for giving us this preview before this trial starts. A fascinating, fascinating case. Nice talking to you. Coming up, it's Dateline Roundup. We've got an update on an important pretrial ruling in the Karen Reed case. And the latest from the trial of the West Virginia pharmacist accused of poisoning her husband.

Plus, tips from NBC News senior investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen on how to steer clear of disaster-related scams. Welcome back. Joining me for this week's Dateline Roundup is Dateline producer Sue Simpson. and leaving him to die in the snow back in 2022. Reid pleaded not guilty. Her murder trial ended with a deadlocked jury and a retrial set for April of this year.

Sue, we have some new information.

Karen Reid, of course, had so many supporters at the courthouse during her trial. We talked about that before. But even in the bitter cold this past weekend, some of them were out in force across New England at protests they're calling standouts.

Amazing. An arctic blast does not deter Karen Reid supporters. Up next, an update on a story we told you about last week. This is the murder trial of Natalie Cochran. She is the West Virginia pharmacist accused of poisoning her husband with insulin. Sue, what's the latest from the courtroom?

On Friday, an FBI chemist testified about the evidence central to the prosecution's case against Natalie. The vial of insulin recovered from the Cochran's home. What did he tell the jury?

Up next, we're headed to a Las Vegas courtroom with an update in the murder case against hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur's alleged killer. His name is Dwayne Keefy D. Davis. Remind us about the murder itself, Sue. It certainly has been a very long time.

Chen had been facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder for allegedly stabbing Jasmine 60 times in 2022, then packing her into a suitcase and leaving the suitcase next to a creek. His defense? That Jasmine had actually attacked him and that he'd killed her spontaneously before covering up her death out of shame.

So his murder has been unsolved, fueling conspiracy theories until, of course, an arrest was made in 2023. Dwayne Davis, he was charged with the murder. How does law enforcement say he was connected to the crime?

So they feel that he incriminated himself with those words. Davis's team filed a motion in the beginning of January seeking dismissal of the charges against him.

These past few months, our hearts have gone out to those impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and the wildfires in Los Angeles. The devastation is truly massive. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed. Thousands of people have lost their homes or been displaced. So many of us, of course, want to help.

Unfortunately, according to the Federal Communications Commission and the Better Business Bureau, scammers often take advantage of natural disasters to prey both on those looking to give help and those most in need of it. So here to give us some tips on how to avoid getting scammed is NBC News Senior Consumer Investigative Correspondent Vicki Wynn. Vicki, thanks for joining us again.

Yeah, I know you're going to have amazing tips on this subject. So, Vicki, in the past week or so, we've seen lots of fundraising links go up for things like GoFundMe on social media. I've seen some that have surpassed $100 million. But I've also heard there are some fake GoFundMes going around where scammers are posing as disaster victims and pocketing the money, which is so horrible.

If you want to donate, how can you be sure the money is actually going to the people who need it?

Totally.

When we talked about this trial last week, the prosecution was making its case. The defense took over on the holiday weekend. Here to fill us in on what we missed is Dateline producer Mario Garcia and associate producer Jess Koenig. Hey, guys.

You know, I have a lot of friends who've been displaced. I have one friend who lost his house. What can people do who are looking for help right now as they start thinking about the long process of rebuilding?

Yeah. So that could be an opportunity for scammers to step in. What should you watch out for on this end of it?

No, do not give it.

There will be a lot of rebuilding in the coming weeks and months and, of course, years.

Hey, Andrea. Thanks for having us. All right, let's do a quick reminder of this case. It's the one where Jasmine's family took matters into their own hands.

The best defense is listening to Vicki because these tips are so, so good. Vicki, thank you for everything you're doing to help people.

Such good work on this, Vicki. Thank you.

That's it for this episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly. Next week, we'll have the latest from the courtroom and the run-up to Brian Koberger's summer trial. You can read more about the cases featured on the podcast on our website, datelinetruecrimeweekly.com. And if you have any questions or comments for us, you can reach us on social media at DatelineNBC.

And coming up this Sunday on Dateline, after a Pittsburgh dentist predicts his own death, his friends and family vow to track down his killer. It does seem outrageous that this person is not being looked at closer.

You can watch my classic two-hour mystery, The Premonition, this Sunday on NBC at 9, 8 central. And if you have any questions or comments for us, you can reach us on social media at Dateline NBC. To get ad-free listening for all our podcasts, subscribe to Dateline Premium. Thanks for listening. Dateline True Crime Weekly is produced by Frannie Kelly and Katie Ferguson.

Our associate producers are Carson Cummins and Caroline Casey. Our senior producer is Liz Brown-Koroloff. Production and fact-checking help by Sara Kadir. Veronica Mzeika is our digital producer. Rick Kwan is our sound designer. Original music by Jesse McGinty. Bryson Barnes is head of audio production. Paul Ryan is executive producer. And Liz Kohl is senior executive producer of Dateline.

And according to the prosecution and the defense, their actions of going in there kind of lit a fire under the police. And then that led to a search warrant. And they found blood on the rug and floors, which was huge in this. The blood, in their words, all over the apartment, bedroom, bathroom. It was everywhere. So Jason Chen has admitted to killing Jasmine.

You're listening in to Dateline's morning meeting in 30 Rockefeller Center.

His defense lawyer said as much in his opening statement.

So really, at the heart of this is, was it premeditated or not? The medical examiner testified last week for the prosecution. Did the medical examiner's testimony support that it was premeditated?

Right. In the suitcase, she had handcuffs on that locked her wrist to her ankle. One of the key witnesses for the defense was a neighbor who overheard something.

Which can connect, you know, to possibly that this was a spontaneous fight.

Welcome to Dateline True Crime Weekly. I'm Andrea Canning. It's January 23rd, and here's what's on our docket. In California, eight years after a celebrity hairstylist was found stabbed to death on his patio, his widow is set to stand trial for allegedly masterminding his murder with her lover.

But there was a witness for the prosecution that poked a big hole in that narrative that A tech investigator for the district attorney, right?

Closings were on Monday. The prosecution's first argument was quite methodical going through everything again.

What did the defense say in their closing argument?

So the jury got the case at about 4.30 Monday afternoon. How long did they deliberate for?

That has got to be one of the shortest deliberation times I've ever heard.

Yeah, that's so true, because you had told us that in this trial, the jurors could ask in real time. Jason's mother gave a statement at the sentencing hearing the day after the verdict.

Did Jasmine's family speak?

That's heartbreaking. The jury also had say in the sentencing.

Mario and Jess, thank you for covering this for us. Thank you, Andrew.

Up next, with her trial set to begin in Los Angeles, we've got all the details in the case of the widow accused of masterminding a plot to murder her celebrity hairstylist husband. Will her lover testify for or against her?

In January 2017, respected Hollywood hairstylist and executive Fabio Semantilli was found stabbed to death on the patio of his multi-million dollar mansion in the upscale Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. There had been a run of burglaries in the area, and the crime seemed like a break-in gone wrong until six months later.

In Dateline Roundup, rap icon Tupac Shakur was gunned down 30 years ago. This week, his accused killer appeared in court. And an update on the trial of the West Virginia pharmacist accused of poisoning her husband.

Here's what our affiliate NBC4 Los Angeles had to say at the time.

Monica Semantilli, Fabio's wife of almost 20 years, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. And she wasn't the only one. Her lover, a man named Robert Louis Baker, was also charged. Both pleaded not guilty. Now, after eight years, Monica's trial is set to begin next week. Dateline producer Chetna Joshi is here to break down the story for us. Chetna, welcome to the podcast.

Happy to be here. So many of our datelines start out this way where, you know, police have to look at could this have been, you know, a more random murder? There was a string of burglaries in the area. In this case, though, there were some details that stuck out to the detectives that maybe this wasn't one of those burglaries.

Yeah, that's something you would very likely want to take if you're a burglar. Right. This got investigators thinking that this could be an inside job. And one thing they discovered was that Monica was having an affair.

So his name is Robert Lewis Baker. Their affair had been going on for, what, about a year and a half? According to the documents, yeah.

Was there any evidence left at the crime scene that, you know, pointed perhaps to... the man Monica's having an affair with.

Plus, NBC News senior consumer investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen is back. In the wake of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Vicky has tips on how to avoid disaster-related scams wherever you live.

From the beginning, prosecutors said that Monica wasn't involved in the actual murder, but that she helped plan it.

Yes. Today it is cold. Our editorial team is catching up on breaking crime news around the country.

In July 2023, Baker ended up pleading no contest to the murder charges.

Most of the time with these cases, you know, it's kind of like who's first when there's a couple of people involved and who's going to flip on the other, you know, to get a better deal. Did we see that in this case? Did Baker flip on Monica?

So you mentioned, Shetna, that there were on the video the two men in hoodies. What happened to this other man if Monica's at Target and you've got two guys on the video?

I always think about, you know, hairstylists and how close they get to their clients. And this must have been such a shock for so many, so many people connected to Fabio and his family.

But before all that, we're heading to Chattanooga, where there have been some big developments in a story we've been watching closely on the podcast, the murder trial of Jason Chen. There were sobs and cheering in a Tennessee courtroom earlier this week when Jason Chen's 10-day trial for murdering his girlfriend, Jasmine Pace, came to a rapid conclusion.