CALIFORNIA MAN ACCUSED OF POISONING FOSTER MOTHER WITH CANCER TO STEAL HER FORTUNE

A heartbreaking case in California has taken a disturbing turn after a 34-year-old man was charged with allegedly poisoning his foster mother, burying her remains and stealing her identity to gain control of her wealth.

Cedric von Ferdinand is accused of killing Nadine Jett, a 64-year-old attorney who was battling cancer. Prosecutors say he moved into her home in 2023, claiming he wanted to care for her during her illness. Jett was last seen at a chemotherapy appointment on January 14, 2024.

Investigators believe she was killed days later. Prosecutors allege that von Ferdinand poisoned her with a fatal dose of fentanyl and buried her body in a six-foot-deep grave on her 20-acre property. Her remains were discovered in July 2025, and her death was ruled a homicide.

The case became even more disturbing when authorities alleged that more than $500,000 was lost through suspected fraud, identity theft and property transactions. According to prosecutors, von Ferdinand told relatives that Jett had died in Mexico and been cremated, but he could not provide a death certificate.

Her foster daughters eventually grew suspicious and reported her missing. One of them, Bianca Lucci, recalled how Jett had taken her and her sisters in after they had experienced 10 different foster homes.

“She was the mom we needed. She gave us a fair chance at life,” Lucci said.

Von Ferdinand’s attorney says he maintains his innocence. His arraignment has been postponed until November 5, 2026.

Source: PEOPLE – Original Report