Michael Gargiulo
Southern California Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Los Angeles, California
TIME PERIOD
1993-2008
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, known as the "Hollywood Ripper," is a convicted serial killer responsible for multiple murders across Illinois and California between 1993 and 2008. His first known victim, 18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio, was murdered on August 13, 1993, in Glenview, Illinois, followed by the brutal stabbing of 22-year-old Ashley Ellerin in Hollywood on February 21, 2001, and the murder of 32-year-old Maria Bruno in El Monte, California, on December 1, 2005. Gargiulo was apprehended on June 6, 2008, and was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, receiving a death sentence on July 16, 2021. As of April 2023, he is incarcerated at the California Health Care Facility and was extradited to Cook County, Illinois, in September 2024 to face trial for Pacaccio's murder. Significant evidence includes DNA linking him to the crime scenes and the testimony of witnesses, including the last person to see Ellerin alive.
Michael Gargiulo is believed to have committed his first murder at the age of 17, with many theorizing that his move to Los Angeles was an attempt to evade police scrutiny after the murder of Tricia Pacaccio. Some speculate that Gargiulo's pattern of targeting young women, particularly those in the entertainment industry, was influenced by his desire for notoriety and connection to Hollywood. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that he may have been involved in more murders than he has been convicted for, with estimates ranging from three to ten victims.
The Hollywood Ripper: The Chilling Tale of Michael Gargiulo
A Killer's Origin
Michael Thomas Gargiulo was born on February 15, 1976, in the serene suburb of Glenview, Illinois. However, his peaceful beginnings belied the darkness that would soon envelop his life. Gargiulo, whom the media later dubbed "The Hollywood Ripper," embarked on a blood-stained path that left a trail of horror and heartbreak across two states. This tale begins in the year 1993, when Gargiulo was just 17.
The First Murder
On a warm August night in 1993, the quiet of Glenview was shattered. Tricia Pacaccio, just 18 and full of promise, fell victim to a brutal attack. Stabbed to death on her own back doorstep, she was discovered the next morning by her father, Rick, who stumbled upon the horrific scene. Tricia was the sister of one of Gargiulo’s friends, making her death all the more chilling. It was believed that Gargiulo committed this heinous act, but he managed to evade the grasp of justice and scrutiny of Illinois authorities by relocating to Southern California in 1998.
The California Murders
In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, Gargiulo's sinister activities resumed. On February 21, 2001, tragedy struck again. Ashley Ellerin, a vibrant 22-year-old fashion student, was found murdered in her Hollywood home. She had been stabbed a staggering 47 times, with wounds so severe that one nearly severed her neck. Detective Tom Small later recounted how one of the stab wounds was so forceful, it penetrated her skull, dislodging a piece like a puzzle.
Ashley had planned an evening out with actor Ashton Kutcher, whom she had met at a New Year's Eve party. Kutcher, running late after watching the Grammy Awards, arrived to find no response at her door. Peering through the window, he noticed what he thought was spilled wine on the floor. Unbeknownst to him, it was blood. He left, unaware of the horror that had unfolded inside.
By December 1, 2005, Gargiulo struck again. This time, his victim was Maria Bruno, a 32-year-old neighbor in El Monte, California. She was attacked in her apartment, stabbed 17 times, and her body mutilated in a grotesque display of violence.
Gargiulo’s rampage almost continued with Michelle Murphy, another neighbor in Santa Monica, on April 28, 2008. However, Michelle fought back fiercely during the assault, causing Gargiulo to cut himself and flee. Her courage not only saved her life but also left behind crucial evidence. Blood at the scene matched Gargiulo's DNA, tightening the noose of justice around him.
The Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The Santa Monica Police Department apprehended Gargiulo on June 6, 2008, marking the beginning of his journey through the legal system. Although charged with the murders of Ashley Ellerin and Maria Bruno, as well as the attempted murder of Michelle Murphy, he was also linked to the murder of Tricia Pacaccio in Illinois. Despite these charges, Gargiulo remained elusive, and no additional murders were conclusively linked to him. He allegedly taunted authorities in the Los Angeles County Jail by suggesting that just because ten women were killed and his DNA was present did not mean he was responsible.
Dubbed the "Hollywood Ripper" and "Chiller Killer" by Los Angeles media, Gargiulo was held in Los Angeles County Jail awaiting a capital murder trial. A pre-trial hearing took place on June 9, 2017, in Los Angeles Superior Court, with the trial initially set for October 2017. After numerous delays, the trial commenced on May 2, 2019. Ashton Kutcher took the stand, recounting the events surrounding Ashley Ellerin’s murder.
The trial concluded on August 15, 2019, with Gargiulo's conviction on all counts. The penalty phase began on October 7, 2019, with the jury deliberating whether to sentence him to death or life imprisonment without parole. On October 18, 2019, after thoughtful consideration, the jury pronounced a death sentence for Michael Gargiulo. However, sentencing faced delays due to defense motions and was only finalized on July 16, 2021.
In a turn of events, in September 2024, Gargiulo was extradited to Cook County, Illinois, to stand trial for the 1993 murder of Tricia Pacaccio. Should he be convicted, he faces the potential of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder Committed
Michael Gargiulo stabs 18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio to death.
Murder of Ashley Ellerin
Gargiulo murders fashion student Ashley Ellerin, stabbing her 47 times.
Murder of Maria Bruno
Gargiulo stabs his neighbor Maria Bruno to death in El Monte.
Attempted Murder of Michelle Murphy
Gargiulo attempts to murder Michelle Murphy, who fights him off.
Arrest of Michael Gargiulo
Gargiulo is arrested by Santa Monica Police Department.
Charged with Pacaccio Murder
Cook County charges Gargiulo with the first-degree murder of Tricia Pacaccio.
Trial Begins
Gargiulo's trial for the California murders begins.
Conviction on All Counts
Gargiulo is convicted of two counts of first-degree murder.
Sentenced to Death
Gargiulo is sentenced to death for his crimes in California.
Extradited to Illinois
Gargiulo is extradited to face trial for the 1993 murder of Tricia Pacaccio.
Michael Thomas Gargiulo, known as the "Hollywood Ripper," is a convicted serial killer responsible for multiple murders across Illinois and California between 1993 and 2008. His first known victim, 18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio, was murdered on August 13, 1993, in Glenview, Illinois, followed by the brutal stabbing of 22-year-old Ashley Ellerin in Hollywood on February 21, 2001, and the murder of 32-year-old Maria Bruno in El Monte, California, on December 1, 2005. Gargiulo was apprehended on June 6, 2008, and was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, receiving a death sentence on July 16, 2021. As of April 2023, he is incarcerated at the California Health Care Facility and was extradited to Cook County, Illinois, in September 2024 to face trial for Pacaccio's murder. Significant evidence includes DNA linking him to the crime scenes and the testimony of witnesses, including the last person to see Ellerin alive.
Michael Gargiulo is believed to have committed his first murder at the age of 17, with many theorizing that his move to Los Angeles was an attempt to evade police scrutiny after the murder of Tricia Pacaccio. Some speculate that Gargiulo's pattern of targeting young women, particularly those in the entertainment industry, was influenced by his desire for notoriety and connection to Hollywood. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that he may have been involved in more murders than he has been convicted for, with estimates ranging from three to ten victims.
The Hollywood Ripper: The Chilling Tale of Michael Gargiulo
A Killer's Origin
Michael Thomas Gargiulo was born on February 15, 1976, in the serene suburb of Glenview, Illinois. However, his peaceful beginnings belied the darkness that would soon envelop his life. Gargiulo, whom the media later dubbed "The Hollywood Ripper," embarked on a blood-stained path that left a trail of horror and heartbreak across two states. This tale begins in the year 1993, when Gargiulo was just 17.
The First Murder
On a warm August night in 1993, the quiet of Glenview was shattered. Tricia Pacaccio, just 18 and full of promise, fell victim to a brutal attack. Stabbed to death on her own back doorstep, she was discovered the next morning by her father, Rick, who stumbled upon the horrific scene. Tricia was the sister of one of Gargiulo’s friends, making her death all the more chilling. It was believed that Gargiulo committed this heinous act, but he managed to evade the grasp of justice and scrutiny of Illinois authorities by relocating to Southern California in 1998.
The California Murders
In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, Gargiulo's sinister activities resumed. On February 21, 2001, tragedy struck again. Ashley Ellerin, a vibrant 22-year-old fashion student, was found murdered in her Hollywood home. She had been stabbed a staggering 47 times, with wounds so severe that one nearly severed her neck. Detective Tom Small later recounted how one of the stab wounds was so forceful, it penetrated her skull, dislodging a piece like a puzzle.
Ashley had planned an evening out with actor Ashton Kutcher, whom she had met at a New Year's Eve party. Kutcher, running late after watching the Grammy Awards, arrived to find no response at her door. Peering through the window, he noticed what he thought was spilled wine on the floor. Unbeknownst to him, it was blood. He left, unaware of the horror that had unfolded inside.
By December 1, 2005, Gargiulo struck again. This time, his victim was Maria Bruno, a 32-year-old neighbor in El Monte, California. She was attacked in her apartment, stabbed 17 times, and her body mutilated in a grotesque display of violence.
Gargiulo’s rampage almost continued with Michelle Murphy, another neighbor in Santa Monica, on April 28, 2008. However, Michelle fought back fiercely during the assault, causing Gargiulo to cut himself and flee. Her courage not only saved her life but also left behind crucial evidence. Blood at the scene matched Gargiulo's DNA, tightening the noose of justice around him.
The Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The Santa Monica Police Department apprehended Gargiulo on June 6, 2008, marking the beginning of his journey through the legal system. Although charged with the murders of Ashley Ellerin and Maria Bruno, as well as the attempted murder of Michelle Murphy, he was also linked to the murder of Tricia Pacaccio in Illinois. Despite these charges, Gargiulo remained elusive, and no additional murders were conclusively linked to him. He allegedly taunted authorities in the Los Angeles County Jail by suggesting that just because ten women were killed and his DNA was present did not mean he was responsible.
Dubbed the "Hollywood Ripper" and "Chiller Killer" by Los Angeles media, Gargiulo was held in Los Angeles County Jail awaiting a capital murder trial. A pre-trial hearing took place on June 9, 2017, in Los Angeles Superior Court, with the trial initially set for October 2017. After numerous delays, the trial commenced on May 2, 2019. Ashton Kutcher took the stand, recounting the events surrounding Ashley Ellerin’s murder.
The trial concluded on August 15, 2019, with Gargiulo's conviction on all counts. The penalty phase began on October 7, 2019, with the jury deliberating whether to sentence him to death or life imprisonment without parole. On October 18, 2019, after thoughtful consideration, the jury pronounced a death sentence for Michael Gargiulo. However, sentencing faced delays due to defense motions and was only finalized on July 16, 2021.
In a turn of events, in September 2024, Gargiulo was extradited to Cook County, Illinois, to stand trial for the 1993 murder of Tricia Pacaccio. Should he be convicted, he faces the potential of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder Committed
Michael Gargiulo stabs 18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio to death.
Murder of Ashley Ellerin
Gargiulo murders fashion student Ashley Ellerin, stabbing her 47 times.
Murder of Maria Bruno
Gargiulo stabs his neighbor Maria Bruno to death in El Monte.
Attempted Murder of Michelle Murphy
Gargiulo attempts to murder Michelle Murphy, who fights him off.
Arrest of Michael Gargiulo
Gargiulo is arrested by Santa Monica Police Department.
Charged with Pacaccio Murder
Cook County charges Gargiulo with the first-degree murder of Tricia Pacaccio.
Trial Begins
Gargiulo's trial for the California murders begins.
Conviction on All Counts
Gargiulo is convicted of two counts of first-degree murder.
Sentenced to Death
Gargiulo is sentenced to death for his crimes in California.
Extradited to Illinois
Gargiulo is extradited to face trial for the 1993 murder of Tricia Pacaccio.