A man from California has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting nine women, with one victim tragically succumbing to an overdose, according to officials.
Michel DiGiorgio, 50, is now charged with one count of murder, three counts of drug-facilitated rape, and several other sexual offenses related to the case. On Friday, the charges were announced by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities in California suspect that the sexual assaults occurred at residences in Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach during the years 2019 to 2021.
DiGiorgio was the owner of the homes, yet the details surrounding his connection to the victims remain uncertain.
Authorities have yet to explain the two-year delay in arresting DiGiorgio following the assault linked to the case.
A man faces allegations of supplying drugs to a woman and assaulting her, leading to her fatal overdose on July 6, 2020. The identity of the victim remains undisclosed.
DiGiorgio remains incarcerated with no possibility of bail. Should he be found guilty, DiGiorgio could be sentenced to life behind bars.
Authorities suspect additional victims may exist and are urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.
“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.”
Reference: California man accused of drugging and raping at least nine woman, leading to one’s overdose death