The Untimely Tragedy of Hilda Cabrales and Christy Giles
On the night of November 12, 2021, a promising evening for two friends in Los Angeles took a harrowing turn. Architect Hilda Marcela Cabrales, 26, and her companion, model Christy Giles, 24, began their night filled with excitement as they visited a popular nightclub in Hollywood, followed by a warehouse party in East Los Angeles.
A Night Out That Would Change Everything
At the time, Christy’s husband, Jan Cilliers, was out of town, visiting family in San Francisco. He noted that Christy and Hilda had formed a close bond, with Cilliers characterizing their developing friendship as one of mutual joy. However, circumstances soon shifted from celebration to concern.
On the morning of Saturday, November 13, Cilliers noticed that Christy’s phone location indicated she was at an unfamiliar address in Los Angeles. The couple had shared their locations for safety, a decision that would later prove crucial. Growing anxious due to her unresponsiveness, Cilliers attempted to reach out to Christy but received no reply, intensifying his fears as the hours passed.
The Disturbing Discovery
By late afternoon, his worst fears materialized when Christy’s phone changed its location to a nearby hospital. Cilliers was devastated to learn from authorities that Christy had been delivered there unconscious by two masked individuals in a black Prius, who claimed to be “good Samaritans.” Tragically, doctors determined that she was dead upon arrival.
This same phone-sharing technology indicated that Hilda’s location also traced to a hospital—at the same address as Christy. Subsequently, it was discovered that Hilda had also been brought to the hospital, though she remained alive but was in critical condition. After fighting for two weeks, Hilda’s family made the heartbreaking decision to disconnect her from life support, with her sister expressing gratitude for their bond, stating, “Thank you for being my sister.”
Investigative Breakthrough
Thanks to the precise location data provided by both women’s phones, law enforcement quickly pieced together the timeline of the events leading up to their hospitalizations. LAPD homicide detectives learned that both women had been dropped off at the same hospital by the same individuals. Their investigation led them to David Pearce, a resident at the address associated with the phone pings, and his roommate, Brandt Osborn.
Within a month, both Pearce and Osborn were apprehended. Pearce faced two charges of felony murder while Osborn was charged as an accessory to murder after the fact. The investigation revealed that these two men had a history that included serious criminal behavior.
A Lengthy Pursuit of Justice
After a lengthy delay, the trial process began over three years later. Pearce was convicted of the murders of both women and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving other victims. Meanwhile, Osborn’s case ended in a mistrial, with the jury unable to reach a unanimous decision on his involvement.
In a poignant press conference following the conviction, Christy’s mother, Dusty Giles, highlighted the critical role that location-sharing technology played in the investigation, urging families everywhere to utilize this safety measure. She stated, “As much as it hurts to lose my baby girl … her sharing her location technology told us where she was.” This statement emphasizes the importance of vigilance in ensuring personal safety, especially during nights out.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings continue, with Pearce yet to be sentenced and uncertainty surrounding Osborn’s potential retrial, the tragic story of Hilda Cabrales and Christy Giles serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk even during what should be joyful experiences. Their story has galvanized discussions around safety practices, particularly the sharing of locations among friends for protection and accountability.