California man denies murdering foster mother in alleged estate takeover scheme

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.