The media loves giving serial killers nicknames, and the latest case garnering plenty of airtime is that of Michael Gargiulo, who has been dubbed the “Hollywood Ripper”.

That case has the added media buzz of Ashton Kutcher taking to the stand, with prosecutors having compiled a list of around 250 potential witnesses.

Gargiulo’s trial began last Thursday in Los Angeles, where he is being charged with the murders of Ashley Ellerin and Maria Bruno. He is also facing an additional charge for the attempted murder of Michelle Murphy in 2008.

Over to CNN for more:

Gargiulo is accused of murdering Ashley Ellerin the night of February 21, 2001, court documents said. That night, according to prosecutors, Ellerin missed a date with Kutcher, who had invited her to an after-party for the Grammy Awards.

When she didn’t show up, Kutcher went to Ellerin’s home and peered inside.

“Mr. Kutcher looked in the window and saw what he thought was spilled wine on the floor,” Akemon told the jury, according to KABC. “We believe now the evidence will show that was actually blood, and Ashley had already been murdered.” She had been stabbed 47 times.

Kutcher has yet to confirm that he will testify, although a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Superior Courts said he is “expected to testify”.

43-year-old Gargiulo faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole, and prosecutors are determined to take him down:

In his opening statement Thursday, Deputy District Attorney Dan Akemon painted a picture of a vicious killer who charmed his victims as a helpful neighbor and handyman before he broke into their homes and stabbed them to death…

Gargiulo was also linked to the murder of Maria Bruno, whose ex-husband discovered her mutilated body in 2005, KABC said.

Prosecutors alleged Gargiulo’s first victim was 18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio, who was killed in 1993 in Chicago when Gargiulo was just 17.

But it wasn’t until 2008 that Gargiulo accidentally cut himself when he allegedly attacked Michelle Murphy, KABC reported, allowing investigators to link his DNA to the other killings…

“All of the victims were young, outgoing women,” Akemon said. “All of the attacks occurred at night, all of the victims suffered multiple stab wounds, all of the victims were stabbed with the knife, each of the victims was attacked in or around her home and in close proximity of Mr. Gargiulo.”

Murphy is expected to take to the stand today, when the trial resumes,

For a more in-depth look at Gargiulo’s case, check out this Washington Post article.

[source:cnn]