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A Story of Betrayal of a 96-year-old Widow: Murder for Hire in Montecito, CA.
On May 27, 2022, the quiet community of Montecito was shaken by the death of 96-year-old Violet Evelyn Alberts. A widow known for her warm and kind demeanor, Alberts was found dead in her bed, the victim of asphyxiation. The discovery of a shattered window near the rear door of her home suggested a home invasion.
Investigation and Arrests
The case initially presented few leads, but the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office persisted in their investigation. Over the course of 22 months, detectives pieced together a complex story of fraud and premeditated murder.
The main suspect
Gaining Trust through Deception
48-year-old Pauline Macareno of Porter Ranch, posed as a real estate agent to gain Alberts’ trust, who was in financial distress, with the promise of assisting her with a reverse mortgage. Alberts, a 96-year-old widow known for her warm and friendly demeanor, faced monetary struggles and depleted savings, which made Macareno’s offer seem like a timely solution. Indications were that Macareno assumed Alberts would pass away quickly, which would have allowed her to claim the property through fraudulent means.
