California Couple Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide After Financial Scam

Donald Whitaker, 80, and his wife Karen Whitaker, 79, were found dead on May 15 inside their Bermuda Dunes home during a welfare check requested by a neighbor, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said. Both had suffered traumatic injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later classified the deaths as a suspected murder-suicide.

Miedecke, 81, a longtime friend through the East Valley Republican Women Patriots club, told NBC News that the alleged scam began about a year ago after Karen posted on Facebook about a deceased high school friend. Someone then contacted her claiming to be actor Tom Selleck.

Karen shared her phone number and began texting with the individual, Miedecke said. The first money request arrived in November for an $80 event ticket, Miedecke stated. Subsequent requests escalated to $800 for a table and additional sums sent via gift cards.

Friends repeatedly warned Karen the messages were fraudulent, but she continued sending money. Miedecke contacted the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, which spoke with Karen and documented the financial elder abuse. Adult protective services also visited the home in January.

The couple’s adult children closed accounts and cut up credit cards in an attempt to limit further losses.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that no evidence links the scammer directly to the deaths. Homicide investigators continue to examine the case. Actor Tom Selleck has not been accused of any involvement.