Robert Baker Cross-Examined – “I’d Lie to Protect Her” | CA v. Monica Sementilli – Day 33

On Day 33 of California v. Monica Sementilli, the courtroom turned tense as Robert Baker — the Defense’s self-confessed killer — returned to the stand. The State launched a relentless cross-examination, determined to expose contradictions in his story and test whether Baker’s devotion to Monica is still influencing his testimony.

Baker has long claimed he killed Fabio Sementilli alone. But the State believes he's minimizing Monica’s role, and they brought out interview after interview to challenge his memory, motive, and loyalty.

This video captures the full cross and redirect, beginning with a line-by-line takedown of Baker’s past statements and ending with a brief attempt by the Defense to recover lost ground. The energy wasn’t explosive — but the effect was unmistakable: Baker’s credibility is now in question, and the Defense’s entire narrative is on shaky ground.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 – Jury re-seated; Baker remains under oath as cross resumes
00:01:09 – State begins with Baker’s 10th interview (Nov 12, 2024)
00:03:54 – Baker confronted with changes in his story after learning Austin was arrested
00:08:25 – Cross focuses on Monica’s timeline with Austin; Baker’s memory falters
00:10:36 – State introduces conflicting statements about when the murder was planned
00:14:05 – Baker denies remembering details about visits to Monica’s house
00:17:37 – Confrontation about Austin’s role in the stabbing
00:21:30 – Did Austin know about the murder ahead of time? Baker waffles
00:24:07 – The State presses on Baker’s motives to lie about Monica
00:28:57 – Discussion about gold coins found on the patio post-murder
00:31:40 – Baker admits he would’ve phrased things differently if he knew he’d be on trial
00:34:48 – More inconsistencies: car ride details, FlyAway drop-off
00:37:49 – Jail logistics and Baker’s seatbelt ticket conversation with Austin
00:40:25 – The State summarizes Baker’s shifting details; pressure builds
00:43:46 – Baker told Austin had taken a plea; conversation about forensic links begins
00:47:34 – State presses on forensic evidence near attempted murder site
00:52:23 – Baker admits using Viber to hide messages with Monica
00:54:57 – Claim that Monica tipped him off about Fabio picking up food
01:02:00 – Allegations of researching non-extradition countries
01:05:35 – Disputes over whether Monica coordinated Fabio’s isolation
01:09:23 – Photo shown of Monica and Baker in Las Vegas; property search context
01:13:18 – Talk of Monica shopping for real estate with friends
01:16:52 – Summer 2016 knife purchase revealed; Baker admits showing it to Austin
01:20:19 – GPS tracker purchases introduced; burner phones mentioned
01:22:22 – Baker claims he removed GPS units post-murder
01:29:25 – Argument about planning timeline vs. motive rooted in holiday rejection
01:32:43 – Statements about gold coin envelope on patio resurface
01:35:54 – Surveillance setup outside the restaurant described
01:38:13 – Confirmation that notes were taken by investigators during interviews
01:42:07 – Baker admits he would lie to protect Monica “just like Austin”
01:45:20 – Dumping GPS unit at nearby construction site
01:48:14 – Parking spot inconsistencies; whether Austin stayed in the car
01:51:07 – Lost burner phone in South Carolina
01:54:14 – Final meetup details near gas station and bowling alley
01:57:55 – Jail call played: Baker and Al Birdsong talk about fleeing
02:00:45 – Was Monica’s role ever addressed during plea? No.
02:06:00 – Defense begins redirect: emphasizes interview count and unrecorded notes
02:08:25 – State’s notes were always shared with prosecution
02:12:22 – GPS purchase linked to Baker via email confirmation

⚖️ How This Impacts the Case
This testimony heavily supports the State.
While Baker didn’t confess to a new story, his vague memory, evasive language, and shifting details undermined his reliability. The Defense needed him to be credible — instead, the jury saw someone who might still be protecting Monica. The redirect lacked energy, and no new defense theory emerged.

This wasn't a meltdown — but it was a death by a thousand contradictions.

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