'Misguided Anger' Fueled Salon Owner's Hit Man Plot: Investigators
Investigators say cyber-stalking that motivated rage came from unlikely source.
March 20, 2014— -- A Hollywood beauty expert known for her celebrity clientele is facing charges that she tried to hire a hit man to kill a rival spa owner.
Dawn DaLuise pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday, and she remains jailed on $1 million bond. DaLuise -- who’s been featured in Vogue, In Style and Ladies Home Journal -- owns Skin Refinery, a posh salon. She claims to have numerous celebrity clients, including Sarah Michelle Geller, Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Alicia Silverstone.
Authorities say DaLuise became frustrated when Gabriel Suarez opened his own skin care shop nearby. Suarez said their relationship quickly became toxic.
“In passing I’d greet her, say hello, and she often gave me the cold shoulder,” Suarez said. “She wasn’t cordial with me.”
DaLuise thought Suarez wasn’t just competing for clients, but also cyber-stalking her, investigators said.
Eventually, DaLuise had enough, investigators alleged. A text message obtained by ABC News may reflect the growing tension, with DaLuise allegedly writing to her close friend, Edward Feinstein, “I found someone who is going to take Gabriel out.”
But, investigators said, the cyber-stalking was actually coming from Feinstein, not Suarez. Feinstein was arrested last week on suspicion of stalking. He has not entered a plea, but told ABC News he is not guilty.
The case is not over yet, investigators said, and more arrests are possible.
If found guilty, DaLuise could spend up to nine years in prison.
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