A Southern California man is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting nine women, one of whom died as a result of the drugs.
Michael DiGiorgio is charged with murder, three counts of rape by use of a drug, two felony counts of sodomy by use of a drug, five felony counts of sexual penetration by use of a drug and several other sexual misconduct-related charges, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office says.
Prosecutors say that from 2019 to 2021, DiGiorgio abused the women after drugging them in his homes in Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, Calif. He was charged on Oct. 18.
The district attorney’s office did not identify any of the women, but court records indicate that the murder charge is linked to a 2020 incident.
It is not immediately clear if DiGiorgio has entered a plea. His public defender did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
If convicted, DiGiorgio could face up to life in prison. He is currently being held in custody without bail.
Authorities believe there might be more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call the Redondo Beach Police Department’s hotline at 714-863-2859.
“I extend my deepest sympathy to the victims, whose lives have been irrevocably changed and the life lost by the alleged brutal acts of the offender,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “Our office is committed to holding him accountable for the pain and trauma he has inflicted. The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority, and we will not tolerate this type of predatory behavior in our communities. I encourage anyone with information related to these incidents or any other incidents regarding Mr. DiGiorgio to report it to the Redondo Beach Police Department.”
