Serial killer suspect faces trial

LOS ANGELES, March 4 (UPI) -- A suspected serial killer faces trial in Los Angeles for two killings and an attempted homicide, officials say.

One of Michael Gargiulo's alleged victims, Ashley Ellerin, once dated actor Ashton Kutcher and other Hollywood stars, prosecutors say.

Officials are asking for help in identifying a woman photographed with Gargiulo who may be one of his victims, CBS News reported Wednesday. Police also are investigating whether there are any more victims in an alleged 15-year killing spree.

CBS reported that Kutcher came by a bungalow to take Ellerin to a party in 2001, but received no answer when he knocked on the door. Kutcher later told police he saw through a back window what looked like wine stains on the carpet before he left. Ellerin was found stabbed to death, CBS said.

Police said a woman was stabbed last year in Santa Monica, Calif., but she fought off her attacker and DNA evidence at the scene led to Gargiulo's arrest. The blood evidence also linked him to a 15-year-old Chicago slaying, CBS said.