An elderly couple found dead in their California home in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide had been targeted by a scammer posing as actor Tom Selleck, a friend has revealed. Donald Whitaker, 80, and his wife Karen, 79, were discovered with traumatic injuries during a welfare check at their Bermuda Dunes home on 15 May, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office confirmed.
Joy Miedecke, 81, a friend of more than a decade, said 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 Tom Selleck, saying they had dated the friend years ago. Karen shared her phone number and began texting the scammer, who gradually gained her trust and requested money, initially $80 for a desert event, then $800 for a table, paid via gift cards.
Miedecke said friends repeatedly warned Karen she was being scammed, but she refused to believe them. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office had filed a report of financial elder abuse before the deaths, and deputies provided proof the messages were fraudulent. Miedecke also contacted adult protective services after the messages became 'almost a little bit romantic'.
Donald only learned the full extent of the scam in January when adult protective services visited. The couple's children closed accounts and cut up credit cards, but Karen found other ways to send money. Miedecke believes Karen may have had early-stage dementia and said Donald struggled emotionally and financially, telling friends he 'couldn't cope'.
The day before the deaths, Karen asked friends for money, claiming Selleck's manager needed help after his wife died. Miedecke said that was 'the last straw for Donald', who was embarrassed she would involve friends. Homicide investigators are continuing the investigation, and no evidence links the scammer directly to the deaths.
