A Hollywood producer is accused of murdering a Los Angeles model and her friend, allegedly uttering the chilling words, “Dead girls can’t talk.”
David Pearce, 40, faces charges in the deaths of model Christy Giles, 24, and her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola, 26, whose bodies were found dumped outside separate hospitals in Los Angeles in November 2021. Giles was pronounced dead upon arrival, and Cabrales-Arzola passed away days later in intensive care.
Giles and Cabrales-Arzola spent their final hours attending an art exhibit at Soho House in West Hollywood, followed by a warehouse party in East Los Angeles, where they crossed paths with Pearce, actor Brandt Osborn, 43, and cinematographer Michael Ansbach.
As legal analyst Kelly Hyman revealed on her podcast, “Once Upon A Crime in Hollywood,” Pearce’s alleged remark demonstrates intent, shifting the case from accidental overdose to homicide, according to the Daily Mail.
LAPD investigators allege the group ended the night at Pearce’s apartment. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Pearce and Osborn leaving the warehouse around 5 a.m. on the day in question, and later, a vehicle linked to the suspects was seen leaving the victims’ bodies outside Southern California Hospital in Culver City and Kaiser Permanente in West Los Angeles.
Toxicology reports revealed that both women had lethal combinations of drugs in their systems, including fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, and GHB — a known date rape drug. Investigators suspect the women were drugged and then assaulted. Witness testimony and new evidence indicate Pearce may have used the chilling phrase to justify their deaths, which authorities have classified as drug-induced homicides.
In addition to the murder charges, Pearce faces allegations of sexually assaulting seven women over a decade, spanning incidents from 2010 to 2021. Among the charges is the count of providing a controlled substance (fentanyl). The state has decided to combine the sexual assault and murder charges into a single trial. Pearce, who remains in custody at an LA County jail, pleaded not guilty to all charges and could face 128 years to life in prison if convicted.
Pearce’s alleged criminal activity extends beyond the murders. He was reportedly researching countries without U.S. extradition treaties and was found with his passport and $30,000 in cash when taken into custody. His bail of $3.4 million was denied due to concerns he poses a “threat to society” and an alleged pattern of behavior consistent with being a serial rapist.
Osborn, charged as an accessory after the fact, was released on bail, while Ansbach, initially arrested, was not charged. Pearce’s trial has faced delays as investigators work to build a comprehensive case, including gathering witness testimony, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage.
The victims’ families have been outspoken in their pursuit of justice. Cabrales-Arzola’s father, Luis Cabrales Rivera, has called for life sentences for those responsible, while Giles’ husband, Jan Cilliers, has used phone data to trace her final moments and raise awareness about the case. In a heart-wrenching tribute, Giles’ family buried her in the wedding dress she never got to wear. Her husband described her as a deeply loving and remarkable person, mourning a future tragically cut short.
This case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile Hollywood scandals involving powerful men, drugs, and vulnerable victims, such as those of Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby.
Hwd outsiders hear “producer” and think of something positive. Hollywood insiders know “producers” are often rich wannabees who simply want to sleep with starlets for free. I wish all producers were like LINDA OBST. They are not.
A disgusting man.
A tragic story.