Film Producer, David Pearce Convicted Of Murder

February 6, 2025 ·

Photo Credit:Michael Discenza

BEVERLY HILLS—On February 5, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, media relations issued a press release announcing the conviction of Hollywood producer, David Brian Pearce, 42 in the murders of two women.

On February 4, was convicted by a jury on two counts of first-degree murder in the November 2021, fentanyl overdose deaths of Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola and Christy Giles Cilliers in Beverly Hills. Giles Cilliers was a Gardendale, Alabama native working as a model in Los Angeles.



Cabrales-Arzola was a Mexican Architect designer who studied at Universidad de Monterrey, in San Pedro Garza García. The women were reportedly having a girl’s night out and reportedly called an Uber to pick them up. They never made it to the Uber.

The following came directly from the press release.

“On November 13, 2021, at approximately 3:00 a.m. Pearce, NCIS actor Brandt Walter Osborn, and [film director], Michael Ansbach met victims Giles and Cabrales-Arzola at a warehouse party in East Los Angeles. About two hours later, Giles and Cabrales-Arzola accompanied Pearce, Osborn, and Ansbach back to Pearce’s Beverly Hills apartment. While at the apartment, Pearce provided Giles, Cabrales-Arzola, and Ansbach gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and fentanyl, causing Giles and Cabrales-Arzola to fatally overdose.

Within about thirty-five minutes of arriving at the apartment, Cabrales-Arzola called a rideshare service to leave the location, but neither Cabrales-Arzola nor Giles left the residence until Pearce carried Giles out of the apartment about eleven hours later and carried Cabrales-Arzola out about an hour and a half afterward. Pearce dropped the victims off at two different local hospitals.



Giles was deceased when she was dropped off at the hospital. Cabrales-Arzola was resuscitated and died eleven days later, one day short of her 27th birthday.”

Additional reports indicate that Osborn relayed concern for the women after dumping their bodies, to which Pearce retorted, yeah well, “Dead women don’t talk.” He then took Osborn out to dinner at El Pollo Loco [translated: The Crazy Chicken] Mexican restaurant.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Pearce committed numerous drug-facilitated sexual assaults against multiple women. Seven victims testified at trial to Pearce’s sexual depravity and violent tendencies.”

Pearce’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 13, in Department 109 of the Clara Shortridge Criminal Justice Center. He faces 148 years to life in state prison and will have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

Pearce was also convicted of sexual assault and rape of seven women between 2007-2021.

NCIS actor Brandt Walter Osborn, 45 was charged with two counts of accessory after the fact. A jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on both counts. Osborn returns to court on March 13 for his pretrial hearing.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigated this case. The Sex Crimes Division prosecuted it.

By Sharon






Residents Warned Of Mudslides, Debris Flow From Rainfall

February 6, 2025 ·

Photo courtesy of the city of Malibu Facebook page.

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on its Facebook page that residents should be aware of upcoming rainfall that is slated to hit the area. The city activated its storm response plan and is actively monitoring the situation in coordination with partner agencies.

The Public Works team is patrolling city streets, monitoring and clearing roads, checking hillsides and clearing drainage and implementing flood prevention measures including K-Rails and wattles.

Sheriff’s Volunteers and our Parking Enforcement contractors are on-hand patrolling and reporting issues. The Emergency Operations Center remains activated, with backup generators in place to keep traffic signals operational, if needed.

Two storms are expected to bring rain to LA County through early Friday, February 7. Residents should be prepared for potential mudslides, debris flows, rocks and water in all recent burn areas. Visit the LA County Public Works sandbag website at LACounty.PW/DSG/Sandbags for sandbag locations.

Storm Alerts:

– The NOAA weather station was damaged during the Palisades Fire and NOAA radios are currently not receiving alerts.

– Tune into KBUU Radio at 99.1 FM and KNX 1070AM or 97.1 FM.

– Sign up for Emergency Alerts: Ready.LACounty.gov and MalibuCity.org/News

Any storm related issues can be reported by calling the 24-hour Los Angeles County Public Works Dispatch Center at (800) 675- 4357.

By Trevor

Hollywood Producer David Pearce Convicted For First-Degree Murder

February 6, 2025 ·

A Hollywood producer has been convicted of first-degree murder. Photo by Vincentas Liskauskas.

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the LADA’s Office announced that David Pearce, 42, was convicted by a jury on February 4 of two counts of first-degree murder in the fentanyl overdose deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola in Beverly Hills in November 2021. Pearce was also convicted of rape and other sexual assaults against seven different women between 2007 and 2021.

The jury found Pearce guilty in case BA498423 of all charges and allegations: two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola; three counts of forcible rape; one count of sexual penetration by use of force; one count of sodomy by use of force; one count of rape of an unconscious woman; and one count of sexual penetration by foreign object in the sexual assaults of seven different victims.

He is scheduled to be sentenced March 13 in Dept. 109 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Pearce faces 148 years to life in state prison. He will be required to register as a sex offender for life. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on both counts of accessory after the fact in the charges against Brandt Walter Osborn, 45. Osborn returns to court for a pretrial hearing on March 13 in Dept. 109 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

On November 13, 2021, at approximately 3 a.m., Pearce, Osborn, and Michael Ansbach, an acquaintance, met victims Giles and Cabrales-Arzola at a warehouse party in East Los Angeles. About two hours later, Giles and Cabrales-Arzola accompanied Pearce, Osborn, and Ansbach back to Pearce’s Beverly Hills apartment. While at the apartment, Pearce provided Giles, Cabrales-Arzola, and Ansbach gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and fentanyl, causing Giles and Cabrales-Arzola to fatally overdose.

Within about 35 minutes of arriving at the apartment, Cabrales-Arzola called a rideshare service to leave the location, but neither Cabrales-Arzola nor Giles left the residence until Pearce carried Giles out of the apartment about 11 hours later and carried Cabrales-Arzola out about an hour and a half afterwards.

Pearce dropped the victims off at two different local hospitals. Giles was deceased when she was dropped off at the hospital. Cabrales-Arzola was resuscitated and died 11 days later, one day short of her 27th birthday.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Pearce committed numerous drug-facilitated sexual assaults against multiple women. Seven victims testified at trial to Pearce’s sexual depravity and violent tendencies. The case was prosecuted by the office’s Sex Crimes Division and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

By Trevor

City Waives Outdoor Dining Fees For Businesses In February

February 6, 2025 ·

Photo courtesy of Dan Gold.

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, February 5 the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that to assist with impacts of the recent wildfires on local businesses, they waived its license fees for outdoor dining areas, sidewalk dining, parklets and pier deck extended dining for the month of February in a supplement to its Emergency Order in response to the Palisades Fire.

“The city is committed to supporting our local businesses, and as a small business owner, I understand firsthand how a disaster can reverberate across a business community,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. “Waiving outdoor dining fees this month can provide much needed relief as we recover, and I encourage everyone to support our local restaurants, shops, hotels and businesses and enjoy everything our beautiful city has to offer.”

At the moment, a total of 101 businesses are enrolled in the city’s outdoor dining programs, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic as a pilot program that became permanent in October 2022. Businesses can apply for the Sidewalk Dining or Outdoor Parklet programs. For more details on the city’s outdoor dining programs, click here.

“As a city, it’s important that we are responsive to our business community, and we heard from many of our restaurants about their severe loss of customers and overall sales due to the impacts of the fires,” said Economic Development Manager Jennifer Taylor. “We hope that by waiving the fees for a month, they’ll be able to get back on their feet and continue to benefit from these outdoor programs, which we know our community loves and enjoys.”

Santa Monica’s emergency proclamation in response to the wind and firestorm remains in place to ensure the continued support of regional wildfire recovery. The Emergency Order was updated on January 31 to provide additional flexibility for schools and businesses impacted or displaced by the wildfires and to refine criteria for housing support for fire victims.

For details and resources for businesses impacted by the regional fires, click here.

By Trevor

James Lopez Charged With Stabbing Death Of Amanda Torres

February 6, 2025 ·

A knife was used to fatally stab a community organizer on January 26. Photo by Anis Rahman.

WESTWOOD—On Wednesday, February 5, the LADA disclosed that James Joshua Lopez, 24, was charged with murder in connection with the January 26 stabbing death of Amanda Torres, 28, in downtown Los Angeles.

District Attorney Nathan Hochman noted that Torres was a “compassionate leader’ and recently graduated from UCLA and was a community organizer.

Lopez, of Los Angeles faces one count of murder with an allegation of personal use of deadly and dangerous weapon, a knife. His bail has been set at $2.02 million. His arraignment was set for March 3, Dept. 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

It was reported that on January 26 at around 12:40 a.m., Lopez is accused of fatally stabbing Torres after the victim intervened trying to protect her brother, who had been allegedly attacked by a group of men at a party in the 1100 block of S. Los Angeles Street. Torres was stabbed in the neck by the suspect.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Cristhian Ochoa and Monique Pahuja of the Central Trials-13 Division. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Charges filed in the case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted as charged, Lopez faces up to 26 years to life in prison.

By Trevor

LASD Searching For Gerardo Flores

February 6, 2025 ·

Photo courtesy of the LASD.

WESTWOOD—On Wednesday, February 5, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced on its Facebook page that it needs help to locate Missing Person, Gerardo Flores. He was last seen on Tuesday, January 21, at 1:45 a.m., near the 8000 block of Railton Street in the city of Pico Rivera.

Flores is described as a 30-year-old Hispanic male, standing 5 feet and 8 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds. He has long black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and grey pants.

Gerardo has a possible destination of Long Beach or West Hollywood. His family is concerned for his well-being and are asking for the public’s help in locating him.

Anyone with details about this incident is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Missing Persons Detail at 323-890-5500.

By Trevor

Firearms Related Arrests Made By UCLA PD

February 6, 2025 ·

Photo courtesy of the UCLA PD.

WESTWOOD—On February 3, the UCLA PD announced on their Facebook page that over the weekend they made two firearms-related arrests.

-The first arrest occurred across from Gayley Heights, where officers took a suspect into custody.

-The second armed suspect was detained after officers proactively intervened to investigate a scooter theft.

None of the suspects arrested were affiliated with UCLA. Details about the suspects have not been disclosed to the public.  Authorities are asking anyone who sees something suspicious to report it immediately to UCLAPD at (310) 825-1491.

By Trevor

Ingo Horst Gaida Arrested For Child Annoying

February 5, 2025 ·

Ingo Horst Gaida. Photo courtesy of the SMPD.

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, February 5, LT. Lewis Gilmour of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that on January 27, detectives received a report of a suspected inappropriate relationship between a 16-year-old female Santa Monica High School student and a male teacher.

Authorities reported that an immediate and thorough investigation of the allegations ensued. Detectives learned the science teacher and student were engaged in inappropriate activities since the end of 2024. The incidents took place in multiple locations throughout Los Angeles County.

On February 5, detectives with assistance of uniformed and undercover officers, served arrest and search warrants and took the teacher into custody. The teacher has been identified as Ingo Horst Gaida, 58, of Los Angeles. He was booked for 647.6(a)(1) PC – annoying or molesting a child under 18 and 272(a)(1) PC – contributing to the delinquency of minor, both are misdemeanors. The case will be filed with the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office.

Gaida was released from SMPD custody with a citation and promise to appear in court. Gaida has no prior criminal history. Anyone with additional details or who has been the victim of abuse by Gaida should contact Officer Destiny King at (310) 458-6679, Sgt. David Haro at (310) 458-8952, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

By Trevor

A Day Without Immigrants Protests Continue In SOCAL

February 4, 2025 ·

Photo Credit: Nitish Meena

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA—On February 3, individuals from forty states took part in immigrant protest demonstrations. These protests are similar to A Day Without Immigrants, demonstrations that took place in February 2017, after President Trump took office in his first term, and was beginning to build the border wall between the U.S. southern border with Mexico.

The February 2025, Day without Immigrants protests took place in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Francisco, at the Hollywood overpass, along the 101 Freeway, and are reportedly going to be protesting throughout the week.

These protests are over President Trump’s campaign promises to close the U.S. southern border and to arrest and detain immigrants who have entered the U.S. illegally and have committed crimes on U.S. soil or have criminal records.

There is a scare tactic being spread throughout some mainstream media outlets suggesting that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are going to be flooding the Churches and schools looking for illegal immigrants.

Acting Director of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Tom Homan indicated on talk radio, that this is not the case. He said we are here to get, “The worst of the worst first.”

ICE agents are exercising their Enforcement and Removal tactics by identifying, locating, and removing illegal immigrants who have proven to be a danger to society.

President Trump suspended tariffs in what could have become a trade war with Mexico. Mexican authorities promised to send 10,000 agents to assist at the border.

A similar agreement took place with Canada. The border countries are agreeing to assist the U.S. with border security to avoid tariffs.

Trump’s promise to deport those criminal aliens back to their country of origin. Reports indicate that some of the countries do not want their immigrants back.

Marco Rubio visited El Salvadore. Leadership in El Salvador has agreed to house those deported from the U.S.

Protester’s signs in the street read  Deporting “the hand that feeds you.”

The following came directly from USCIS dated January 17, 2025.

“The H-2A program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs.”

On February 3, protesters gained criticism from others on the X social media site. Commenters indicated that by gathering to protest, the protesters were making it easier for law enforcement to capture them. “That’s right, gather all in one place,” they posted.

Peaceful protesters were not arrested. Some of the protesters spray-painted their swag somewhere in Los Angeles County and were arrested for Vandalism. There were Reportedly 200 arrested following multi-state protests.

There is no press release on the LAPD website indicating that mass arrests were made.

By Sharon

Beverly Hills “Timepiece Gentleman,” Sentenced To Federal Prison

February 4, 2025 ·

Photo Credit: Bruchin Noeka

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 31, the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for Central California issued a press release announcing the arrest of, Anthony Farrer, of Los Angeles who managed “Timepiece Gentleman,” a consignment store that sold extravagant luxury watches located at 150 S. Rodeo Dr. Suite 120 in Beverly Hills.

Farrer pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. Reports indicate that he has been in federal custody since November 2023.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the IRS issued press releases on January 31, confirming that Mr. Farrer was sentenced to 70 months in Federal prison by U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton.

Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph T. McNally made the following statements regarding the criminal activity of Farrer.

“This defendant stole millions of dollars from customers who trusted him and then used his ill-gotten gains to fund his exorbitant lifestyle. The sentence imposed today sends a message that those who defraud the public will be held accountable.”

According to Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI, Los Angeles field office.

“The so-called ‘Timepiece Gentleman,’ was a conman whose time living lavishly ran out when the high-end watch owners he victimized brought his crimes to the attention of law enforcement. This successful prosecution is the result of a collaboration, among local and federal partners working together… to bring Mr. Farrer to justice.

Los Angeles, IRS Criminal Investigations, Special Agent in Charge, Tyler Hatcher made the following statement.

“Mr. Farrer exploited his clients’ trust for personal gain. Instead of making good on his business promises, Mr. Farrer swindled his clients out of money and property to fund his extravagant expenditures, and now he’ll suffer the consequences. IRS-CI is committed to protecting clients and consumers from this sort of dubious behavior, and we are proud to have been a partner in this investigation.”

According to reports, items involved in this case included luxury watches by Rolex, Richard Mille, and Patek Phillipe… that were to be sold on consignment by Farrer for a fiver percent consignment fee. The remaining proceeds were to go to the client.


Reports indicate Farrer did not return unsold merchandise to the clients. He sold the watches and kept the proceeds for himself without the knowledge or permission of his clients.

The following information came directly from the press releases issued by the DOJ and the IRS.

In total, Farrer fraudulently obtained money and property belonging to more than 40 victims and caused total losses of at least $5,691,005. Farrer also will be subject to a restitution order for payment owed to victims in amounts to be determined later.


“The IRS-CI, FBI, and the Beverly Hills Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Joshua O. Mausner of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.”

By Sharon







Load
More