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In California, law enforcement has launched a homicide investigation following the discovery of an elderly couple found deceased in their residence on Friday, May 15. The tragic incident has left the community in shock as authorities seek answers.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that the victims, 80-year-old Donald Whitaker and his 79-year-old wife, Karen Whitaker, were discovered in their Bermuda Dunes home, both having suffered “traumatic injuries.” The circumstances surrounding their deaths are currently under scrutiny as investigators piece together what led to this grim outcome.
Fox News Digital reached out to Joy Meidecke, who has known the Whitakers for over a decade. Meidecke, president of the East Valley Republican Women Patriots, developed a friendship with the couple through their mutual involvement in the organization.
Karen Whitaker was actively engaged as a volunteer with the East Valley Republican Women Patriots, a role that connected her with many in the community. Tragically, it is believed she may have been targeted by an online scammer impersonating the well-known actor Tom Selleck, a detail that has added another layer of complexity to the investigation.
She said Karen, who was a volunteer at EVRWP, may have fallen victim to an online scammer posing as famous actor Tom Selleck.
Their relationship stemmed from an exchange in Facebook comments that turned to daily messaging.
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Karen had commented on a post regarding the passing of a dear friend, Miedecke said. The scammer then started replying to Karen’s comments to where the two began a conversation, which flourished into a secret relationship, she said.
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Karen Whitaker seen standing with Charlie Kirk. (Joy Miedecke)
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“He romanced her, he told her all these things,” she said.
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Eventually, the scammer then began requesting money and monopolizing Karen’s time — Miedecke said it’s possible that Karen may have sent hundreds of dollars to the Selleck poser.
Over time, Miedecke said she reported the possible elder abuse to Riverside County Adult Protective Services. The agency eventually visited the Whitakers’ home, to which Donald ultimately found out about the relationship, she said.
Karen Whitaker stands with a friend at an event for East Valley Republican Women Patriots. (Joy Miedecke)
“Her husband tried to talk to her. She wouldn’t listen. So they cut up all of her [credit] cards,” Miedecke said.
The Sheriff’s Department is investigating the couple’s death as a homicide; however, investigators have not revealed a suspect, nor have they announced any charges.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Riverside Adult Protective Services.
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