Monica Olsen, a former model and entrepreneur, was married to millionaire businessman Dino Guglielmi for about seven years. Despite appearances of a happy marriage, Dino was unfaithful and controlling. After filing for divorce and facing high alimony payments and custody battles, Dino hired Rick Furman to kill Monica. Furman, a con man posing as a hitman, recorded Dino's repeated instructions to kill Monica, leading to Dino's arrest and conviction for attempted murder. Monica survived and retained custody of their children, while Dino was sentenced to nine years in prison. The case involved deception, domestic conflict, and a murder-for-hire plot thwarted by law enforcement.
Country: United States
State/Province: California, United States
City/Region: Valencia
Incident Type: Attempted Murder
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration: 7 years
Incident Date: Jan. 16, 2012
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
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Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
7 years
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2012-01-16
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
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48 Hours - USA · Original language: English
The Millionaire, the Model and the Hit Man | Full Episode
Domestic Violence
The case exemplifies a domestic violence pattern where a controlling spouse, facing divorce and custody loss, escalates to plotting murder-for-hire. Infidelity, financial disputes, and custody battles fueled escalating conflict, culminating in an attempted murder. The offender's manipulation and control attempts, combined with legal and emotional pressures, reflect classic domestic violence dynamics.
Investigation relied heavily on recorded conversations between Dino and Rick Furman, who acted as a confidential informant wearing a wire. Dino was arrested at home in front of his children. Prosecutor Emily Cole managed the case, offering a plea deal due to concerns about Furman's credibility. Dino pled guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to nine years. Furman was not charged. Protective custody was arranged for the children.
Dino claimed Furman manipulated him and set him up, denying intent to kill. Furman's credibility was questioned due to his con man background. Defense challenged Furman's reliability, but the tape evidence was decisive. Dino's shifting blame complicated narrative clarity.
Dino and Monica married after a brief courtship. Over time, Dino's infidelity and controlling behavior escalated. Monica sought independence and career revival, triggering Dino's aggression. Divorce proceedings began with high alimony and custody disputes. Dino enlisted Furman to kill Monica, repeatedly pressing for action. Furman recorded incriminating conversations, then informed authorities. Sting operation led to Dino's arrest and prosecution. Dino pled guilty, serving prison time. Monica retained custody and pursued divorce.
High risk due to escalating control, threats, and willingness to use lethal violence to resolve personal conflicts. The offender's access to resources and prior manipulative behavior increased danger to the victim.
Early signs included controlling behavior, infidelity, and escalating domestic conflict. The case highlights the danger of unresolved custody and financial disputes escalating to lethal violence. Use of informants and recorded evidence was critical. Credibility of accomplices can complicate prosecution. Protective measures for victims and children are essential.
Controlling behavior, aggressive jealousy, refusal to accept divorce terms, and repeated threats to harm the spouse.
Recorded conversations explicitly stating intent to kill, repeated pressure on the accomplice, and evidence of domestic violence allegations.
Audio recordings of murder-for-hire discussions, domestic violence case files, restraining orders, and witness testimonies.
Gino Guglielmelli observed early marital troubles; Monica's daughters corroborated some domestic violence claims; Monica and friends described Dino's controlling and aggressive behavior; Prosecutor Emily Cole detailed the case evidence.
Initial reports focused on domestic violence and custody disputes; later evidence revealed murder-for-hire plot. Plea deal and sentencing clarified case outcome. No further follow-up information available.
Exact extent of Furman's involvement and motivations remain partially unclear; Dino's claims of being set up contrast with tape evidence. Financial assets overseas remain disputed.