Assassination of Ashley Ellerin: Michael Gargiulo, accused of killing a friend of Ashton Kutcher and other people, has been described as "serial killer of sexual sensations"

The trial of an alleged serial killer known as "Hollywood Ripper" is underway in Los Angeles According to prosecutors, Michael Gargiulo attacked four women with a knife and killed three. His alleged crimes date back to 1993 and extend from the other side of the country.

Maureen Maher, the correspondent for "48 hours", covers history for 10 years. She reported to Chicago that the investigators said the alleged murderer had been launched. They say that it will not end until it will not have to face a judge and a jury in Chicago as well.

Gargiulo sits without emotion in a courtroom in Los Angeles, listening to prosecutors describe him as a "serial killer of sexual thrills". Prosecutors accuse Gargiulo, 43, of murdering three women – including 22-year-old Ashley Ellerin, who was friends with Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher

"He collected real-time information about the victims, then manipulated the circumstances to give himself the perfect opportunity to launch and kill in knife attacks," said Attorney General Daniel Akemon.

On the night of the 2001 murder, Kutcher went to Ellerin's home to pick her up for a party but left after she did not open the door. Ellerin's body was found the next morning in front of his bathroom. She was stabbed more than 47 times, prosecutors said.

Kutcher avoided speaking publicly about the case, but he is expected to be called to testify during the trial. Investigators believe the murder began eight years ago. They say that in 1993, Gargiulo killed his neighbor while he was living in Illinois. The body of Tricia Pacaccio, aged 17, was found on the steps of the back door by her father.

The assassination of Pacaccio was not resolved until "48 Hours Mystery" released a report on his case in 2011. After the show, two new witnesses appeared. In a few weeks, Gargiulo was indicted for his death in 1993.

After Gargiulo moved to Los Angeles, police announced that the old handyman and boxer had found new victims. In 2005, he reportedly killed Maria Bruno, 32, a mother of four who lived in her apartment complex.

A muffled 911 call reveals moments after Gargiulo's alleged attack in 2008 by then-26-year-old Michelle Murphy. Murphy, who had been awakened by someone who stabbed her, had managed to defend herself and survive. Gargiulo was later arrested after prosecutors declared that his DNA had been found at the scene.

Gargiulo could be sentenced to death in California, but regardless of the verdict pronounced in the west of the country, the Pacaccios – the family in the suburbs of Chicago – told us that the lawyer 's death was in danger. Cook County State had the intention to immediately transfer Gargiulo to this city to face murder charges, about 26 years later. Tricia's death.