Who Is Michael Gargiulo? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Michael Gargiulo, born on February 15, 1976, is a notorious American serial killer. Often referred to as the "Hollywood Ripper," Gargiulo's criminal activities spanned from the late 1990s into the early 2000s and are characterized by their brutality and the media frenzy that surrounded them. His life and crimes continue to be a subject of interest, prompting discussions about his psychological profile and the impact of his actions on victims' families and society at large.
| Occupation | Serial Killers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1976 |
| Age | 49 Years |
| Birth Place | Glenview, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Michael Gargiulo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding Gargiulo’s height, weight, and physical measurements are not publicly documented, as the focus primarily lies on his criminal activities and court cases rather than personal attributes. However, it is widely reported that Gargiulo had an athletic build before his incarceration, contributing to the physical intensity of his crimes.
On February 21, 2001, he murdered 22-year-old fashion student Ashley Ellerin, stabbing her 47 times in her home in Hollywood. Ellerin's injuries included a neck wound that nearly severed her head and deep punctures to the chest, stomach, and back. Some of her wounds were up to six inches deep.
According to detective Tom Small, one stab wound "actually penetrated the skull and took out a chunk of skull like a puzzle piece." On the night she was murdered, Ellerin had planned a date including dinner and drinks with actor Ashton Kutcher, whom she had met at a party a week earlier.
When she did not answer the door, Kutcher, who had arrived late, looked through the window, saw what he thought was spilled wine on the floor, and returned home, feeling dejected.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status (Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Husband/Wife)
As of 2025, Michael Gargiulo remains unmarried and has no publicly acknowledged relationships or romantic partners. His criminal history, including multiple accusations of violent behavior, has likely hindered any prospects for dating or long-term relationships. Information regarding his family is limited and largely centers around the effects of his actions on them, as well as the victims he left behind.
Gargiulo is a native of the Chicago suburb of Glenview, Illinois. He is believed to have committed his first murder at the age of 17 on August 13, 1993, when he stabbed his neighbor, 18-year-old Tricia Pacaccio, to death on her back doorstep. Her father found her body the following morning.
Gargiulo moved to Los Angeles in 1998, allegedly to escape the scrutiny of the police in Illinois, and committed two murders and an attempted murder in Southern California between 2001 and 2008.
Net Worth and Salary
Michael Gargiulo's net worth remains uncertain, primarily due to his life sentence in prison and the nature of his criminal activities. However, due to the infamy surrounding his case and potential media portrayal, estimations place his net worth at an insignificant level, as he has no legitimate means of income since his incarceration.
Career, Business, and Investments
Before his arrest, Gargiulo worked primarily as a handyman, a position that facilitated his crimes as he had access to multiple residences. After being apprehended and subsequently convicted, his "career" has been strictly tied to his life in prison, with no legitimate business ventures or investments reported. His notoriety has drawn media interest, but he has not profited from his criminal past directly.
Media in Los Angeles dubbed Gargiulo the "Hollywood Ripper" and the "Chiller Killer." Gargiulo was held at Los Angeles County Jail while awaiting a capital murder trial. A pre-trial hearing was held on June 9, 2017, in Los Angeles Superior Court, with his trial scheduled to begin in October 2017. After delays, his trial began on May 2, 2019.
In May 2019, actor Ashton Kutcher testified about the crimes.
Social Network
Currently, Michael Gargiulo has no active presence on social media platforms, which is consistent with the lifestyles of many incarcerated individuals. Given his notoriety, any social network might be highly scrutinized and could further invoke public outrage. Discussions surrounding his case continue online through crime documentaries and true crime forums rather than personal accounts from Gargiulo himself.
Education
Gargiulo's educational background is somewhat ambiguous, with limited public records outlining his schooling. It is known that he did not pursue higher education, and his life trajectory took a dark turn that overshadowed any academic potential he may have had.
Michael Thomas Gargiulo (born February 15, 1976) is a convicted American serial killer. He moved to Southern California in the 1990s and gained the nickname The Hollywood Ripper. He was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on July 16, 2021.
As of April 2023, he was incarcerated in the California Health Care Facility; in September 2024, he was extradited to Cook County, Illinois, to face trial for a 1993 murder.
