16-Year-Old Cheerleader Found Killed: Illegal Immigrant Arrested on Capital Murder Charges

California authorities have recently identified four suspects allegedly involved in the 2022 murder of a 96-year-old woman in Santa Barbara County. The suspects, including two residents from Porter Ranch and Van Nuys, have been linked to the murder of Violet Alberts, a beloved resident of the Montecito community.

Suspects and Charges

The suspects involved in the case are Pauline Macareno, 48, and Harry Basmadjian, 58, both named as suspects in the murder, along with Ricardo MartinDelCampo, 41, and Henry Rostomyan, 33. Macareno has been charged with elder abuse, fraud, and manipulation of legal documents, while the other three suspects face charges ranging from murder to conspiracy and solicitation of murder.

Details of the Crime

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, Macareno targeted Alberts for her wealth and orchestrated a series of transactions, including forging documents and establishing fraudulent entities to gain control over Alberts’ assets unlawfully. Macareno reportedly tricked the victim by offering her a reverse mortgage in 2020.

Authorities believe that Macareno was motivated by Alberts' advanced age and had sinister intentions behind the murder. Alberts was found dead in her bed by her caretaker on May 24, 2022, and officials later determined that she died of asphyxiation, ruling her death as a homicide.

Community Remembrance

During a press conference, Sheriff Bill Brown fondly remembered Alberts as a vibrant 96-year-old widow, a cherished figure in the Montecito community. Despite her age, Alberts had remained active and engaged, known for her warm demeanor and social nature. Her love for her home, with a pond filled with cherished koi fish, reflected her appreciation for life's simpler pleasures.

Investigation and Appeal for Information

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating the case and has worked tirelessly to unravel the complex web surrounding Alberts’s tragic murder. They are encouraging anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward by calling (805) 681-4150.