Michael Thomas Gargiulo

Serial Killer

Michael Thomas Gargiulo: The Hollywood Ripper

Introduction

Michael Thomas Gargiulo, also known as "The Hollywood Ripper," "The Boy Next Door Killer," and "The Chiller Killer," is a convicted American serial killer. Born on February 15, 1976, in Glenview, Illinois, Gargiulo committed a series of brutal murders and attempted murders between 1993 and 2008. He was sentenced to death on July 16, 2021.

Crimes

Gargiulo's crimes spanned over a decade and involved the brutal stabbing of his victims. Below are the details of his known crimes:

• Tricia Pacaccio: On August 13, 1993, Gargiulo stabbed 18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio to death on her back doorstep in Glenview, Illinois. Her father found her body the following morning.
• Ashley Ellerin: On February 21, 2001, Gargiulo murdered 22-year-old fashion student Ashley Ellerin in her Hollywood home. She was stabbed 47 times, with some wounds being up to six inches deep. Ellerin had planned a date with actor Ashton Kutcher on the night of her murder.
• Maria Bruno: On December 1, 2005, Gargiulo stabbed 32-year-old Maria Bruno to death in her home in El Monte, California. She was stabbed 17 times, and her breasts were mutilated.
• Michelle Murphy: On April 28, 2008, Gargiulo attempted to murder 26-year-old Michelle Murphy in her Santa Monica home. She fought off the attack, and Gargiulo's blood was found at the scene, leading to his eventual arrest.

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Confirmed Victims: (3)

Tricia Pacaccio Age: (18), Date of Death: 1993-08-13

Survivors:

Michelle Murphy Age: (26), Date of Attack: April 28, 2008

Michael Gargiulo - Wikipedia