According to ABC15, a California man was sentenced to natural life in prison on Tuesday for arranging the murder of Scottsdale barber Ilya Shimonov, who ran a mobile barbershop out of a converted school bus. The sentencing follows a jury conviction on charges of conspiracy, first‑degree murder and burglary.
Shimonov, known locally as “Mike the Barber,” was shot multiple times on January 3, 2022 after finishing a haircut in a hotel parking lot. He died at the scene. Investigators traced a stolen cell phone to Las Vegas and then to Los Angeles, linking it to the suspect, Robert Celifie of Los Angeles. Prosecutors said Celifie supplied the firearm, money and photographs of the victim to the gunman.
The gunman, Chaze Cable, was previously convicted in 2025 and also received a natural life sentence. Maricopa County Deputy Attorney Richard Dusterhoft told a news conference that investigators do not believe Shimonov ever met either conspirator, though they may have shared acquaintances. He described the case evidence as “extensive,” noting 48 search warrants executed across five states and dozens of surveillance videos.
Shimonov’s mother, Bella Shimonov, addressed the media in tears, thanking Scottsdale police and Maricopa County prosecutors for their work. She recalled her son’s optimism and his dream of a “barber shop on wheels,” saying, “He was a smart boy.”
Scottsdale Police Lieutenant Hugh Lockerby called the killing “a brutal murder,” adding, “Both of these violent individuals will spend the rest of their lives in prison and not in our community.” The convictions are being hailed as a victory for public safety and a reminder that violent threats will be met with decisive law‑enforcement action.
What’s next: With the life sentences handed down, the case is considered closed. Scottsdale police continue to prioritize the safety of residents and businesses, emphasizing that thorough investigations and strong prosecutions will remain a cornerstone of community protection.
Sources: abc15.com
