# California man denies murdering foster mother in alleged estate takeover scheme

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/california-man-denies-murdering-cancer-stricken-foster-mother-to-get-his-hands-on-her-1m-fortune/
- Published: 2026-11-06T20:19:31+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T20:32:24+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16271917/california-man-denies-murder-cancer-foster-mother.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Health, Medicine, World

## Key points

- Von Ferdinand denies murdering his foster mother.
- Prosecutors allege he poisoned and buried her.
- Investigators say the case involved attempted estate fraud.

## Summary

Cedric von Ferdinand, 34, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his foster mother, Nadine Jett, who was battling pancreatic cancer. Prosecutors allege he poisoned the 65-year-old with fentanyl and buried her on her ranch to gain control of her estate, making the case both a murder prosecution and an alleged attempt to take over her property.

Jett was last reportedly seen leaving for chemotherapy on 14 January 2024; von Ferdinand later told relatives she had died in Mexico, but could not provide a death certificate. Her remains were found in July 2025 in a grave about 30 yards from her home, after her family reported her missing and raised concerns about property transfers. Prosecutors also allege he sold one property and used $500,000 in stolen money to buy a condominium; two other people face forgery and identity theft charges, and one has also pleaded not guilty.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.