Authorities in California have launched a homicide investigation following the discovery of an elderly couple deceased in their residence on Friday, May 15. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported that Donald Whitaker, aged 80, and Karen Whitaker, aged 79, were found in their Bermuda Dunes home, both having suffered “traumatic injuries.”
Fox News Digital spoke with Joy Meidecke, a longtime friend of the Whitakers, whom she knew through her role as president of the East Valley Republican Women Patriots. This organization was the connection through which Meidecke formed her friendship with the couple over the past ten years.
Karen Whitaker was actively involved with the East Valley Republican Women Patriots as a volunteer. Meidecke mentioned that Karen might have been targeted by an online scammer pretending to be the well-known actor Tom Selleck.
Karen Whitaker was a volunteer within the East Valley Republican Women Patriots in California. (Joy Miedecke)
She said Karen, who was a volunteer at EVRWP, may have fallen victim to an online scammer posing as famous actor Tom Selleck.
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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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