Mother Found Dead: Son Charged with Murder
Violet Yacobi, a 67-year-old widow, was found dead in her Beverly Hills home on October 10, 2017. Her family, worried because she hadn’t been in touch, made the grim discovery after going to check on her.
Violet had recently lost her husband and was slowly starting to re-engage in her social life, preparing to visit family in Israel. Originally from the Soviet Union, she had moved to the U.S. in the 1980s and maintained close ties with her two children—daughter Dina and son Daniel—as well as her extended family.
On the day she was found, her brother called her to arrange a ride to the mechanic, but when Violet didn’t respond, her children rushed to her $8 million home. Tragically, they found her on the floor near the grand staircase. Initially, the police believed she might have died from an accident or suicide, as there were no signs of forced entry.
However, the situation took a dark turn when a coroner’s report revealed that Violet died from asphyxiation. On February 12, 2018, her son Daniel was arrested and charged with her murder, allegedly motivated by a desire for her $12 million estate.
During the trial, prosecutors claimed that Daniel, despite pleading not guilty, stood to inherit a significant fortune from his mother. A deputy district attorney stated that Daniel “choked the life out of her” and left her in the home where he grew up.
The Yacobi family had always appeared to be a typical, affluent family in Los Angeles. Violet was known as a caring mother and grandmother, who dedicated her life to raising her children and supporting her late husband’s medical career.
By 2015, Daniel’s dental practice had problems. Witnesses at the trial revealed that he had expressed feelings of anger and control over his life, particularly concerning his mother. He had even asked friends about inheritance tax shortly before Violet’s death, raising red flags about his intentions.
Prosecutors presented evidence including GPS data that tracked Daniel’s car near his mother’s home around the time of her death. They argued that Daniel entered the house and killed Violet. His defense claimed she had died from a fall.
Ultimately, the jury found Daniel guilty of first-degree murder, citing that the crime was committed for financial gain. He faces a possible life sentence without parole, with sentencing scheduled for October 3.
A friend of Daniel expressed sadness for the family, saying, “It’s tragic for everyone involved.” This case has profoundly affected them, leaving lasting scars.
