Los Angeles, California – A retired homicide detective, Tom Small, recounts a chilling murder case that he will never forget. It was the night of Feb. 21, 2001, when 22-year-old Ashley Ellerin was found brutally stabbed to death in her Hollywood bungalow. Small vividly remembers the horrific scene, describing it as one of the most vicious attacks he had ever seen in his career. Ellerin, a young fashion student with dreams of making it big in Hollywood, was discovered outside the bathroom by her roommate the next morning.
Small’s account is featured in a true-crime series called “Once Upon a Crime in Hollywood,” hosted by Kelly Hyman. The series focuses on the case of Michael Gargiulo, also known as “The Hollywood Ripper” and “The Boy Next Door Killer.” Small emphasizes the brutality of the crime, highlighting the intensity of the perpetrator’s intention to inflict pain and harm upon his victims.
Ellerin’s murder was marked by extreme violence, with the young woman being stabbed 47 times, 12 of which were considered fatal wounds. The heinous nature of the crime left an indelible mark on those who investigated the case. Small recalls the chilling details of how Ellerin was viciously attacked, emphasizing the level of control and intention behind the act.
The investigation into Ellerin’s murder uncovered disturbing details about a suspicious individual named “Mike,” who was known to frequent Ellerin’s house parties. Despite the scrutiny surrounding “Mike,” he mysteriously disappeared after Ellerin’s murder, raising suspicions about his involvement in the case. Witnesses described his unsettling behavior and intense focus on Ellerin, raising red flags about his potential connection to the crime.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives discovered alarming similarities between Ellerin’s case and other unsolved murders in the area. Gargiulo, a neighbor of one of the victims, emerged as a key suspect in the series of brutal attacks. The evidence against Gargiulo was damning, linking him to multiple murders through DNA and behavioral patterns.
Gargiulo’s chilling past, marked by violent outbursts and disturbing behavior, painted a grim picture of a man consumed by darkness. His eventual conviction and sentencing to death in 2021 provided a sense of closure for investigators like Small, who were haunted by the brutality of the crimes. Despite the passage of time, the memories of those horrific murders continue to linger, serving as a stark reminder of the darkness that exists in the world.