A California couple was found dead in their home after reportedly falling victim to a long-running scam.
Riverside County Couple Found Dead
Karen Whitaker, 79, and Donald Whitaker, 80, were discovered dead on May 15 at their residence in the Bermuda Dunes Country Club, an exclusive golfing community in Bermuda Dunes, California. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check and found the couple had suffered “traumatic injuries.”
Authorities have confirmed they are investigating the deaths as a homicide but have not released specific details about the nature of the injuries.
Scam Involvement Reported
In the days following the discovery, a friend of the couple revealed to local media that Karen Whitaker had been targeted by an alleged scam. According to ABC affiliate KESQ, Karen Whitaker believed she was communicating with actor Tom Selleck and had been sending him money for months.
The scam reportedly began after Karen Whitaker posted a tribute on Facebook about a deceased friend, after which an unknown person contacted her, claiming to be Selleck.
The scammer allegedly told Karen Whitaker that, as Selleck, he had a connection to the friend she was honoring, claiming, “now we have something in common.” Over time, Karen Whitaker reportedly sent gift cards ranging from $80 to $800 and later in amounts of thousands of dollars.
Family and Friends Tried to Intervene
Karen Whitaker’s friends and family alerted the sheriff’s office and Adult Protective Services, and her credit cards were destroyed to prevent further payments. Despite this, she reportedly found new ways to send money to the alleged scammer. Friends even enlisted someone connected to Tom Selleck’s team to tell her the actor was not involved, but she continued to believe the claims.
Donald Whitaker reportedly experienced significant grief over the situation, according to friends, as he learned of the alleged scam.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not commented on whether the scam was connected to the Whitakers’ deaths. No arrests have been made at this time. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact Central Homicide Investigator Hood at (951) 955-2777 or Thermal Station Investigator Gutierrez at (760) 863-8990.
This case highlights the dangers of online scams and the need for vigilance, particularly for older adults who may be targeted by fraudsters.
