Serial killer “Hollywood Ripper” sentenced to death

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Michael Gargiulo, 45, was convicted of the charges by a California jury in August 2019.
The case, which has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and other procedural issues, has come under national microscope as one of its victims was murdered the night she was scheduled to have a date with actor Ashton Kutcher, who then testified at the trial.

Prosecutors had portrayed Gargiulo as a killer who charmed women in and around Los Angeles, suggesting he was a friendly neighbor and handyman before breaking into their homes and stabbing them to death.

Gargiulo claims his innocence. CNN has reached out to Gargiulo’s attorney, Daniel Nardoni, for comment.

Los Angeles Superior Court judge Larry Paul Fidler on Friday sentenced Gargiulo to death and dismissed his request for a retrial, calling the attacks “completely vicious and frightening,” the court spokesman said.

Gargiulo was convicted of the murders of Ashley Ellerin, 22, and Maria Bruno, 32, in addition to the attempted murder of Michelle Murphy, 26, in 2008.

Los Angeles Jury Recommends Death Penalty for

Kutcher had said during his testimony that he went to Ellerin’s house to watch her because she had not shown up for their date. He said he called the police after realizing what happened to Ellerin.

“Mr. Kutcher looked out the window and saw what he thought was spilled wine on the floor,” Deputy District Attorney Dan Akemon told the jury at the time of trial, according to CNN affiliate KABC. “We now believe the evidence will show that it was in fact blood and that Ashley had already been murdered.” She had been stabbed 47 times.

Separately, Gargiulo faces another charge in the 1993 murder of an 18-year-old woman in Illinois after repeatedly stabbing her on her doorstep after spending the night with friends. He is currently awaiting trial in this case.

CNN has contacted the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for comment.

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