Mum fitted security cameras – 24hrs later they filmed her murder

Marylou had found herself in a situation from which she couldn’t escape

- GAIL SHORTLAND

Relationships are complicated and sometimes couples stay together longer than they should, despite knowing they are far from being a perfect match.

Marylou Sarkissian, 50, had been dating Jason Becher, 43, on and off for five years. The mum-of-three, who lived in Huntington Beach, California, knew that Jason wasn’t the reliable, loving boyfriend she deserved, but something kept bringing them back together. And each time, it only got worse.

Marylou was overprotective of everyone, but not enough of herself. She was a pharmaceutical representative, while Jason cultivated marijuana illegally and sold it – making large sums of cash. He would keep some of the money at Marylou’s house, where she had a safety deposit box.

It’s unclear exactly what the arrangement was, but the money would become a huge issue between them. Tensions grew and eventually, the relationship turned violent.

In August 2016, Marylou made her fear of Jason public when she got a five-year restraining order out against him. Then on 28 August, Marylou called 911. She said that Jason had pushed and shoved her into the bathroom where he’d then choked her with a towel.

Jason said an argument had escalated after they’d rowed about Marylou having money that belonged to him. Despite the toxic way their relationship was going, they had a history together that was hard to ignore.

Marylou and Jason met up in a hotel in early November. Maybe it was a last-ditch attempt to make things work – but again, it ended in violence. Marylou told the police that Jason had attacked her again.