Crime House Daily
First Watch: “Dead Girls Don’t Talk”: Fake Hollywood Producer Will Serve 146 Years
Host: Katie Ring
Release Date: November 25, 2025
Episode Overview
This morning’s First Watch episode centers on the conviction and sentencing of David Pierce, a self-proclaimed Hollywood producer whose crimes led to the deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola, alongside assaults dating back nearly two decades. Katie Ring details the events that led to Pierce’s 146-year sentence, the women’s stories, and the dogged family and police investigation that led to his capture. The episode’s second half pivots to a chilling attempted murder case in Wales, where Christopher Mills survived a violent plot orchestrated by his own wife.
Case 1: The Murders of Christy Giles & Hilda Cabrales-Arzola
Case Summary
- Incident: In November 2021, 24-year-old Christy Giles and 26-year-old Hilda Cabrales-Arzola were found unresponsive at separate Los Angeles hospitals after being dropped off by masked men in a car with no license plates.
- Suspect: David Pierce, a 42-year-old “Hollywood producer,” was eventually convicted of two counts of murder and multiple counts of sexual assault.
- Verdict: On October 29, 2025, Pierce was sentenced to 146 years to life in prison.
Key Discussion Points & Timeline
The Victims’ Backgrounds
[03:10–04:40]
- Hilda: Top graduate from a Mexican university, moved to LA for an architecture job.
- Christy: Model from Alabama, newly married to Yan Silliers, known for her vibrant, social lifestyle.
“Chrissy and Hilda became fast friends and when they weren’t working, they liked to blow off a little steam together at parties, especially where they could dance to their favorite music.” — Katie Ring [04:15]
The Night Out & Disappearance
[05:00–07:30]
- Christy and Hilda attended an art exhibit, then a warehouse party in LA.
- Met David Pierce (falsely claiming to be a “Hollywood producer”), Brandt Walter Osborne, and Michael Onsbach.
- Social media and surveillance evidence demonstrated the women leaving with the three men around 4:30am.
- Last known communication from Christy: “let’s go 🥺” texted to Hilda at 5:30am; Hilda replied, “I’ll call an Uber.” Uber waited but neither woman emerged.
Discovery & Investigation
[07:31–11:30]
- Christy’s husband Yan Silliers attempts to locate Christy using her phone’s location, discovering she’s at an unfamiliar address, later revealed to be a hospital.
- Hilda is found in critical condition, later dies; Christy is already deceased.
- Autopsies reveal both victims had fatal levels of cocaine and fentanyl, with Christy also having ketamine and GHB (the “date rape drug”) in her system.
- "Someone else's DNA was found under her fingernails, indicating some kind of struggle.” — Katie Ring [08:52]
- Social media campaigns and news coverage helped publicize the case, prompting other women to come forward with allegations against Pierce.
Unraveling the Crimes
[11:31–14:00]
- Investigators connected the men to the deaths via footage and witness testimony.
- Past victims came forward, recounting Pierce's pattern of drugging and assault.
- Pierce’s DNA matched evidence collected from Christy and Hilda.
- Michael Onsbach, an acquaintance, testified that Pierce also drugged men in the group.
“David looked like the devil personified.” — Michael Onsbach’s testimony [13:08]
- Michael recalled urging Pierce to bring the women to the hospital.
“Dead girls don’t talk.” — David Pierce, as recounted by Michael Onsbach [13:35]
Prosecution & Verdict
[14:01–16:15]
- David Pierce charged with two counts of murder, seven counts of sexual assault.
- Brandt Osborne charged as an accessory; mistrial declared after jury deadlock.
- Seven prior victims testified at trial about Pierce’s predatory behavior.
-
“Most likely, he’ll never be able to prey on an innocent woman ever again.” — Katie Ring [16:10]
- Sentenced October 29, 2025; Brandt Osborne awaits retrial.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On the aftermath for the families:
“Hopefully now Christy and Hilda’s families can feel a sense of closure and remember these two young women for everything they were before they crossed paths with David Pierce.” — Katie Ring [17:04]
- On the critical tip:
“Chrissy and Hilda's messages suggested that the women regretted their decision to leave the party with David and the other men.” — Katie Ring [10:51]
Case 2: The Welsh Countryside Murder Plot
Case Summary
- Incident: September 20, 2024 – Christopher Mills is attacked in his campervan while vacationing with his wife Michelle.
- Investigation: Revealed wife Michelle Mills had an affair with her client Garant Berry, and together they plotted to murder Christopher for life insurance money.
- Outcome: Michelle Mills and Garant Berry convicted of conspiracy to murder; sentencing scheduled for December 2025.
Key Discussion Points & Timeline
The Setup
[17:28–21:00]
- Christopher plans a calming getaway in their camper due to Michelle’s work stress.
- At 11:30pm, two armed, masked men burst into the camper and violently attack Christopher.
“As he fought back, he managed to overpower them… Eventually, the intruders gave up and ran away.” — Katie Ring [20:57]
The Aftermath & Discovery
[21:01–22:40]
- Police apprehend the attackers: Stephen Thomas and Garant Berry (Michelle’s client).
- Police find a fake suicide note, supposedly from Christopher.
- Christopher becomes suspicious after finding gloves, duct tape, and zip ties in Michelle’s car.
The Conspiracy Exposed
[22:41–25:50]
- Texts show Michelle and Garant plotted the murder, with messages discussing various methods: drugging, smothering, poisoning food, or a car bombing.
- Life insurance policy naming Michelle as sole beneficiary had recently gone into effect.
- Michelle attempted to cover up involvement by providing misleading information to police and warning Garant to flee.
“Police have been called. Get away. Delete all contact on both phones. I love you.” — Text from Michelle Mills to Garant Berry [23:55]
Trial & Verdict
- Michelle arrested; claimed the plot was only a fantasy and she simply wanted a divorce.
“I didn't want to believe it was them. Garrett wouldn't kill anyone.” — Michelle Mills, court testimony [25:31]
- Jury finds Michelle and Garant guilty of conspiracy to murder. Sentencing set for December 19, 2025.
“Right now the most important thing is that Christopher Mills is safe and that his would-be killers are facing justice.” — Katie Ring [26:40]
Memorable Moments & Listener Engagement
- Direct address encouraging listener reactions:
“What did you think of today’s cases? Drop your thoughts and theories in the comments.” [26:54]
- Host’s careful balance between report and reflection creates a thoughtful, informed tone throughout.
Important Timestamps
- [02:57] — Introduction & background of Christy and Hilda
- [07:30] — The night out, last texts, and timeline of disappearance
- [10:49] — Investigation breaks through with text message evidence
- [13:35] — “Dead girls don’t talk” — crucial testimony revealed
- [16:10] — Pierce sentencing and aftermath reflections
- [20:53] — Welsh murder plot: Camper attack and defense
- [22:40] — The conspiracy and evidence unfolds
- [25:31] — Michelle’s courtroom testimony
Episode Tone
- Factual but compassionate, with emphasis on survivors’ and victims’ voices.
- Highlights investigative tenacity, the role of family and social media, and chilling details unfurled through courtroom drama.
- Delivers a clear through-line: the pursuit of justice, the impact of violence, and hard-won answers for victims’ loved ones.
Listen Next
- Night Watch deep-dives, Sunday "True Crime This Week" with Vanessa Richardson, and related series on Crime House.
- For real-time updates, follow Crime House Daily on social media (@rimehouse247).
End of Summary