The widow of a murdered Los Angeles cardiologist has launched a bombshell civil lawsuit, accusing his former wife of orchestrating a cold-blooded contract killing fuelled by bitterness over their divorce and a fierce custody war.
In a case that reads like a Hollywood thriller, Areva Martin, representing widow Stephanie Mammone, alleges that Sheida Hayek planned the execution-style murder of Dr. Michael Mammone after a court ruling drastically reduced her child support payments.
A Life Cut Short in a Garage
The horrifying incident unfolded on the morning of July 24, 2023. Dr. Mammone, a respected 58-year-old cardiologist, was ambushed in his own garage in the upscale neighbourhood of Playa Vista. As he prepared to leave for work, a gunman lay in wait, shooting the doctor multiple times at close range in a brutal and calculated attack.
Los Angeles Police Department homicide detectives are actively investigating the murder, treating it as a targeted contract hit. The lawsuit points to a clear financial motive, claiming Hayek was enraged by a recent court order that slashed her monthly support from $30,000 to a mere $6,000.
From Bitter Divorce to Unthinkable Violence
The court documents paint a picture of a divorce that grew increasingly acrimonious. Dr. Mammone and Sheida Hayek, who shared two children, finalised their divorce in 2021. The financial and custodial arrangements became a source of intense conflict, culminating in the fateful court decision that preceded the murder.
The lawsuit starkly states: "The evidence will show that this was a planned assassination, not a random act of violence. Sheida Hayek had the motive, and we believe the evidence will reveal she had the means to carry out this heinous plot."
A Widow's Fight for Justice
Stephanie Mammone, who married the doctor after his divorce from Hayek, is now seeking justice for her husband and protection for their young son. The suit aims to secure a restraining order against Hayek and seeks unspecified damages for the wrongful death of Dr. Mammone.
This shocking case highlights the terrifying extremes of a relationship poisoned by resentment and legal battles, leaving a family shattered and a community searching for answers.
