"96-Year-Old Widow Killed in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot on Eve of Birthday Celebration"

A 96-year-old widow in Montecito, California, was allegedly killed in a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by individuals who financially exploited her. The victim, Violet Evelyn Alberts, was found dead in her home, and investigations revealed that she had been deceived into signing over her valuable property. The main suspect, Pauline Macareno, was sentenced to six years in prison for fraud related to the case, and three other individuals were arrested in connection with the crime. The sheriff described Alberts as a vibrant and cherished figure in the community, and the investigation is ongoing.