How "48 Hours" helped crack the "Hollywood Ripper" case (Part 1 & 2) | Full Episodes
- Aug 20, 2026
- 1:24:18
- Full Episode
Four young women attacked, only one survivor. "48 Hours" correspondent Maureen Maher goes on the trail of serial killer Michael Gargiulo. Learn how "48 Hours" helped crack one of the cases in this two-part episode that aired in May 2020 and was updated in September 2024. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
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Brief Summary
The Hollywood Ripper, Michael Gargulo, is convicted of murdering three women and attempting to murder a fourth, with emotional testimonies from victims' families.
Key points
- Trisha Picacio's Murder. The tragic story of an 18-year-old girl brutally murdered in 1993.
- Ashley Ellerin's Gruesome Death. The shocking murder of a young woman just before a date with Ashton Kutcher.
- The Search for Justice. Years of relentless pursuit for answers in the unsolved murder cases.
- DNA Match Found. A stunning DNA match links Michael Garulo to Trisha Picacio's murder, but is it enough?
- A Survivor's Fight. Michelle Murphy fights for her life against an attacker, changing the course of the investigation.
- Witness Comes Forward. A witness contacts authorities after a 48 Hours episode, revealing crucial information about Garulo.
Episode highlights
- Trisha Picacio's MurderThe tragic story of an 18-year-old girl brutally murdered in 1993.“I was the one who found her.”2:03Aug 20, 2026
- Ashley Ellerin's Gruesome DeathThe shocking murder of a young woman just before a date with Ashton Kutcher.“Ashley had been attacked just after taking a shower, stabbed 47 times.”16:18Aug 20, 2026
- The Search for JusticeYears of relentless pursuit for answers in the unsolved murder cases.“My daughter is going to get the representation that she deserves.”22:17Aug 20, 2026
- DNA Match FoundA stunning DNA match links Michael Garulo to Trisha Picacio's murder, but is it enough?“The results were stunning. A match.”24:59Aug 20, 2026
- A Survivor's FightMichelle Murphy fights for her life against an attacker, changing the course of the investigation.“She was stabbed multiple times... and suffered several wounds to both of her hands.”31:36Aug 20, 2026
- Witness Comes ForwardA witness contacts authorities after a 48 Hours episode, revealing crucial information about Garulo.“I watched the show and it was a mug shot of Mike.”37:27Aug 20, 2026
- Trial BeginsThe trial of Michael Garulo begins, with prosecutors detailing his history of violence against women.“He stalked them and then he stabbed them brutally.”46:37Aug 20, 2026
- Ashton Kutcher's InvolvementAshton Kutcher becomes a key witness in the Ashley Ellerin murder case.“Why is Kutcher called as a witness?”52:09Aug 20, 2026
