Ashton Kutcher testified in Los Angeles on Wednesday in the trial of alleged serial killer Michael Gargiulo, also known as the “Hollywood Ripper.” The 41-year-old actor recounted how he unknowingly stumbled upon a grisly murder scene 18 years ago. He was supposed to have a first date with Ashley Ellerin in 2001 before she was stabbed. Kutcher, who is now married to actress Mila Kunis, is one of over 100 witnesses scheduled to appear in court.
The actor said from the witness stand that on February 21, 2001, he went to pick up 22-year-old fashion design student Ashley Ellerin for their first date. When she didn't answer the door, he assumed she was mad at him for being late. The next day he learned that she had been lying dead.
“I knocked on the door and there was no answer,” Kutcher said. “I knocked again and again no answer. At this point I was pretty sure she was out with her friend. I was late, made her wait for me for hours and she may have been upset.” Kutcher testified that he peered through Ellerin's window and thought it was her bloodRed wine stains. He didn't think it was strange because he had been at a college party at the house about a week before.
Ellerin was found brutally stabbed to death by her roommate the next morning. The police reported 47 stabbings. Prosecutors describe Gargiulo as a “methodical and systematic” killer. He is accused of assaulting at least four women, three in California and one in Illinois. “We believe she had just gotten out of the shower and was about to go out with Mr. Kutcher when she was attacked from behind,” Los Angeles Assistant District Attorney Dan Akemon said during opening statements. Gargiulo faces the maximum penalty: life in prison without parole.
