WeHo Esthetician Pleads Not Guilty In Connection With Alleged Murder-For-Hire Plot

LOS ANGLES (CBSLA.com) – A West Hollywood esthetician Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a murder-solicitation charge after she allegedly tried to hire a former NFL player to kill a nearby competitor.

Dawn DaLuise, who owns Skin Refinery (8543 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood), was arrested March 7.

While investigating a cyber-stalking case that week, "separate information was obtained regarding an alleged solicitation for murder," according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau.

"The investigation is still ongoing relative to the male allegedly contacted by DaLuise to perform murder for hire. The motive for the alleged crime is over a business dispute with an esthetician competitor," the department said in a statement.

DaLuise, who is being held on $1 million bail, is due back in court April 17 for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for her to stand trial.

According to a criminal complaint, DaLuise allegedly tried to hire Chris Geile in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Gabriel Suarez, who opened a business near her store.

CBS2's Joy Benedict spoke to Suarez, who owns Smooth Cheeks.

"I'm feeling a little uneasy," Suarez said. "I'd really like this to be resolved quickly."

He also told Benedict that when it came to DaLuise, "I don't even know her. So I really can't say anything."

According to DaLuise's Web site, her celebrity clients have included: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., Alicia Silverstone, Christina Ricci and Alyson Hannigan.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Fraud & Cyber Crimes Bureau at (661)287-4096.