Post Mortem | Beverly Hills 911
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Post Mortem | Beverly Hills 911” inside PodZeus.
This episode of 48 Hours' Case by Case examines the 2017 murder of 67-year-old Violet Yacobi, found dead in her Beverly Hills home under mysterious circumstances. Initially ruled an unattended death possibly linked to suicide, the case quickly shifted to homicide when the autopsy revealed asphyxia due to neck compression. Investigators, led by detectives Mark Schwartz and George Elwell, focused on her son Daniel Yacobi, whose conflicting statements, suspicious behavior, and digital footprint raised red flags. Key evidence included Daniel’s search history for chokeholds and fingerprint techniques, surveillance footage showing him circling his mother’s home like a 'shark,' and Facebook location data placing him at the scene. Despite Daniel’s claims of innocence and a defense arguing natural causes—specifically a rare brain malformation called an AVM—prosecutors presented a circumstantial case built on timeline discrepancies, DNA under Violet’s nails, and his financial motives. After a lengthy seven-year delay due to legal changes and the pandemic, Daniel was convicted in 2025 of first-degree murder for financial gain, receiving a life sentence without parole. The episode underscores the power of digital surveillance and the fragility of appearances in high-profile cases, while also highlighting the challenges of expert testimony in complex forensic disputes.
Digital footprints—cell phone records, social media location data, and search history—can be pivotal in modern investigations, even without physical evidence.
Conflicting accounts of timelines and actions (like CPR) by a suspect can raise suspicion, especially when corroborated by surveillance footage.
The rarity of matricide and the emotional gravity of a child killing a parent make such cases particularly shocking and difficult to process.
In cases with no smoking gun, juries must weigh competing expert opinions, which can lead to uncertainty and potential miscarriages of justice.
Even in affluent communities like Beverly Hills, where murders are uncommon, the presence of surveillance and digital tracking makes concealment nearly impossible.
Introduction to the Case and Initial Investigation
Tracy Smith introduces the episode, focusing on the 2017 death of Violet Yacobi in Beverly Hills. Initially believed to be a suicide due to her isolation and recent losses, the case was reclassified as a homicide after an autopsy revealed asphyxia from neck compression. Detectives Mark Schwartz and George Elwell begin investigating, noting unusual details like undisturbed dust on the staircase and the absence of a weapon.
Daniel Yacobi’s Contradictory Statements and Suspicious Behavior
“Detective Schwartz told us that the footage showed, and this really got to me too. This is how he described it, that Daniel was circling his mother's house almost like a shark the day of the murder.”
Digital Evidence and the Search for Motive
“The first time they realize that Daniel was actually bald. It was Daniel without a toupee.”
Trial and the Battle of the Experts
“He said this was not a murder and he was very convincing.”
Conviction and Aftermath
After nearly five and a half hours of deliberation, the jury returns a unanimous guilty verdict for first-degree murder for financial gain. Daniel Yacobi receives a life sentence without parole. The episode ends with reflections on the tragedy, the rarity of matricide, and the omnipresence of surveillance in modern life.
“There are cameras everywhere. And if you have your cell phone with you, there's always... some way to track you.”
“Daniel was circling his mother's house almost like a shark the day of the murder.”
“He threw his life away for a few more dollars.”
Host
Guest
Daniel Yacobi
person
Violet Yacobi
person
Tracy Smith
person
Erin Moriarty
person
Mark Schwartz
person
Beverly Hills Police Department
organization
Dina Yacobi
person
George Elwell
person
Larry Sims
person
product
Post Mortem | Denise and Aaron Quinn Get the Last Word
48 Hours • 27m • 3/31/2026
Road to Redemption
48 Hours • 44m • 4/1/2026
The Case Against Brooke Skylar Richardson
48 Hours • 45m • 4/2/2026
The Root Beer Float Murder
48 Hours • 44m • 4/6/2026
Post Mortem | The Root Beer Float Murder
48 Hours • 24m • 4/7/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Post Mortem | Beverly Hills 911” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime