The Tragic Story of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales

In November 2021, Detectives Jonathan Vander Lee and Calvin You were faced with a perplexing case: the discovery of a lifeless woman left at a Los Angeles emergency room. The woman was later identified as Christy Giles, a 24-year-old high fashion model. What unfolded next was a harrowing tale of drugs, assault, and tragedy.

Christy Giles lived a vibrant life as a world-traveling model, but her life took a dark turn when she met David Pearce, a man with a history of assaulting women. Christy, along with her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales, went out for a night of fun that ended in disaster. They were found unconscious and later pronounced dead from drug overdoses.

As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that David Pearce was the mastermind behind the events that led to the deaths of Christy and Hilda. Pearce, along with his accomplice Brandt Osborn, was charged with felony murder and sexual assault. The trial revealed a pattern of drugging women, assaulting them, and callously disregarding their well-being.

Despite the challenges of proving the case without the testimony of the victims, the prosecution was able to secure a guilty verdict for David Pearce on multiple charges. However, the jury was deadlocked on Brandt Osborn, leading to a mistrial.

For the families of Christy and Hilda, the verdict brought some closure, but the pain of their loss will never fully heal. The story of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of predatory individuals and the importance of seeking justice for victims of assault.

As the trial concluded, Dusty Giles, Christy’s mother, made a heartfelt plea for others to be vigilant and share their locations with loved ones. The tragic deaths of Christy and Hilda serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers that lurk in the shadows.

While David Pearce awaits sentencing for his crimes, the families of Christy and Hilda are left to grapple with the pain of their loss and the hope that justice will prevail in the end.

Jonathan Vigliotti, a CBS News correspondent based in Los Angeles, captured the heartbreaking saga of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales, shedding light on the darkness that exists in the world and the resilience of those left behind.