In Coachella Valley, an elderly couple was discovered deceased, and authorities are investigating the potential involvement of a scam. Donald Whitaker, aged 80, and his 79-year-old wife, Karen, were found by Riverside County sheriff’s deputies on Friday around noon. They had suffered traumatic injuries in their home, located in the Bermuda Dunes golf community near Palm Desert.
A neighbor requested a wellness check, leading to the discovery. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is handling the ongoing homicide investigation. Currently, there are no new details on whether the scam is connected to their deaths.
Media outlets report that Karen Whitaker might have fallen prey to a scam. An individual falsely claimed to be Tom Selleck, a well-known actor, and communicated with her, according to statements by Joy Miedecke, a friend of the family and president of the East Valley Republican Women Patriots. Miedecke shared with Coachella Valley ABC affiliate KESQ that Karen had engaged with someone pretending to be Selleck via text:
Miedecke: “They texted her claiming to be Tom Selleck, saying they knew a mutual friend, which initiated the scam.”
Karen started sending money through gift cards, with amounts ranging from $80 up to $800. The scam was severe enough that family members destroyed her credit cards and restricted her bank access.
Miedecke attempted to warn authorities about the potential fraud. She recounts enlisting someone connected to Selleck to confirm that the actor was not involved. Despite these efforts, Karen remained convinced by the false story.
The investigation continues, and authorities have not provided further comments on the scam allegations connected to the Whitakers. The case remains open, and the community is urged to stay informed about potential scams targeting vulnerable individuals.