Authorities discovered an elderly couple dead in their Coachella Valley home, raising questions about an alleged scam linked to an impersonator of actor Tom Selleck. Donald Whitaker, 80, and Karen Whitaker, 79, were found by Riverside County sheriff’s deputies on a wellness check requested by a neighbor.

The couple, residing in the exclusive Bermuda Dunes community, suffered traumatic injuries. Both were declared dead at the scene, and a homicide investigation is underway. Officials have provided no updates on the investigation, and it’s unclear if the reported scam is connected to their deaths.

Local ABC affiliate KESQ shared insights from family friend Joy Miedecke. According to Miedecke, a person posing as Selleck contacted Karen Whitaker after she posted a memorial for a school friend on Facebook. The imposter claimed a connection to the friend and initiated a fraudulent relationship.

Miedecke detailed how Karen began sending gift card payments, starting at $80 and escalating to larger sums, such as $800. Family members and friends tried to intervene by alerting authorities and removing her access to financial accounts. A connection to someone associated with the real Tom Selleck was also attempted to no avail.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has not commented on the alleged scam. Investigations continue as authorities seek to determine any potential link to the tragic deaths.