A California couple, both elderly, were found dead in their home in what authorities suspect was a murder-suicide, following a months-long scam in which the wife was deceived by someone claiming to be actor Tom Selleck.
Discovery of the Couple
On Friday, May 15, just before noon, deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a home on Montego Bay Drive in Bermuda Dunes to perform a welfare check.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reported that 79-year-old Karen Whitaker and 80-year-old Donald Whitaker were found with traumatic injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not publicly named a suspect in the deaths but said evidence suggests a murder-suicide. “Homicide investigators are still actively investigating the incident and will complete a thorough investigation before releasing a final disposition,” the sheriff’s office said.
The Scam Involving Tom Selleck
According to longtime friend Joy Miedecke, 81, the couple had been targeted by scammers impersonating Tom Selleck.
The scheme reportedly began last summer when Karen posted a message on Facebook about a friend’s death. The scammers used information from her profile to gain her trust.
“They said, ‘We’re going to come out to the desert and have an event, and Karen, you can be first on the list if you just send $80,’” Miedecke said. Over time, the requests grew into thousands of dollars, all in the form of gift cards.
Despite warnings from friends, Karen continued sending funds, reportedly sending at least $30,000. Miedecke believes Karen may have been experiencing early-stage dementia. “She thought it was really Tom Selleck,” Miedecke said. “Nobody could stop her.”
Family Interventions
After the couple’s adult children became aware of the scam, they cut off Karen’s access to financial accounts and credit cards.
However, Karen found ways to continue sending money to the scammers. Donald reportedly struggled to cope with the financial loss and had openly discussed thoughts of taking his own life, though he said he would never do so while Karen had access to their funds.
“Donald could not cope with their financial loss,” Miedecke said. “He had said a couple of times to friends that he didn’t know how to handle this.”
Official Investigation
Prior to the couple’s deaths, a report of financial elder abuse had been filed with authorities, and adult protective services had visited the home months earlier.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office confirmed the prior report but declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that there is currently no evidence connecting the scammers directly to the couple’s deaths. They have asked anyone with information to contact Central Homicide Investigator Hood at (951) 955-2777 or Thermal Station Investigator Gutierrez at (760) 863-8990.
Friend Hopes Public Warning Prevents Scams
Miedecke hopes that by speaking publicly, she can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
“The ramifications of someone stealing all of your money when you’re not capable of earning more in your lifetime — look at what it causes,” she said.
