California Man Accused of Poisoning Foster Mother with Fentanyl and Stealing Her Fortune

A California man has been charged with murdering his foster mother, a cancer patient, in a case prosecutors describe as an alleged scheme involving poisoning, identity theft and hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial losses.

Cedric von Ferdinand, 34, is accused of killing Nadine Jett, 64, a Los Angeles County attorney who had been undergoing cancer treatment. According to San Diego County prosecutors, von Ferdinand moved into Jett’s home in 2023, saying he would help care for her as her health declined.

Jett was last seen at a chemotherapy appointment on January 14, 2024. Investigators believe she was killed sometime between January 14 and January 17. Prosecutors allege that von Ferdinand poisoned her with a fatal amount of fentanyl before burying her remains in a six-foot-deep grave on her 20-acre property in Valley Center, California.

Her remains were discovered in July 2025. The medical examiner later ruled her death a homicide, and toxicology findings cited by prosecutors indicated fatal fentanyl toxicity.

After Jett disappeared, von Ferdinand allegedly told friends and relatives that she had died and been cremated. He reportedly told a home care worker that Jett had died in Mexico, but suspicions grew when he could not provide a death certificate. Her other foster children reported her missing in June 2024.

Investigators also uncovered alleged financial misconduct involving Jett’s identity and properties. Prosecutors say the suspected fraud, including identity theft, forgery and real estate transactions, resulted in losses exceeding $500,000.

Two additional people have been charged in connection with alleged fraud related to the case. Authorities say one woman allegedly impersonated Jett and married von Ferdinand using her name, while a notary public is accused of notarizing documents bearing a forged signature.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan described the case as one involving “deadly greed.” Jett’s foster daughter, Bianca Lucci, remembered her foster mother as someone who gave her and her sisters a chance at a better life after they had experienced multiple foster homes.

Von Ferdinand’s attorney has said that he maintains his innocence. His arraignment on the murder charge was postponed until November 5, 2026. The allegations have not yet been proven in court.

Source:  PEOPLE