Event Brief
Elderly couple targeted by Tom Selleck scam found dead
Filed: May 23, 2026 at 7:04 PM ET
Summary: An elderly California couple were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide after being targeted by a scammer posing as Tom Selleck.
WHO: Karen Whitaker and Donald Whitaker; Joy Miedecke; Riverside County Sheriff’s Office
WHAT: Investigators said Karen Whitaker was a victim of financial elder abuse tied to a scammer posing as actor Tom Selleck; the couple were found dead with traumatic injuries.
WHEN: May 23, 2026 at 5:44 PM ET
WHERE: Bermuda Dunes, California
WHY: Karen Whitaker had been targeted by a scammer who contacted her claiming to be actor Tom Selleck.
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