A Tragic Tale of Dreams and Despair: The Lives of Hilda Marcela Cabrales and Christy Giles
On April 15, 2023, a heart-wrenching story emerged from the shadows of Los Angeles, revealing the tragic fate of two young women whose lives were cut short under mysterious and harrowing circumstances. Hilda Marcela Cabrales, a vibrant 26-year-old architect from Durango, Mexico, and Christy Giles, a 24-year-old fashion model from Alabama, both found themselves entangled in a nightmare that would leave their families shattered and searching for answers.
The Call That Changed Everything
Dr. Hilda Marcela Arzola-Plascencia, Hilda’s mother and a dedicated physician, was accustomed to dealing with medical emergencies. However, nothing could prepare her for the middle-of-the-night phone call that informed her that her daughter was gravely ill and intubated in an ICU at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Los Angeles. "What happened? Why is she that bad?" Dr. Arzola-Plascencia recalled asking herself, her heart heavy with fear and confusion.
Meanwhile, in a different part of Los Angeles, Dusty Giles received equally devastating news about her daughter, Christy. She learned that Christy had been dropped off at a hospital like "a bag of garbage" and had not survived. The stark contrast between the vibrant lives these young women led and the tragic circumstances of their deaths left their families grappling with unimaginable grief.
Lives Full of Promise
Hilda Marcela Cabrales had moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams, leaving behind a life filled with accomplishments and adventures. Her best friend, Fernanda Cantisani, described her as someone who "always gave her 100 percent" in everything she did. Hilda had traveled to 22 countries, lived in South Korea, and was known for her infectious laughter and love for life.
Christy Giles, too, was a free spirit who embraced life to the fullest. A successful model, she traveled the world for fashion shoots and was known for her adventurous spirit. Her sister, Misty Weldon, recounted how Christy was never afraid to try new things, from skydiving to riding camels in Morocco. Christy had recently married Jan Cilliers, a South African artist, in an impulsive elopement that reflected her vibrant personality.
A Night Out Turns to Horror
On the night of November 12, 2021, Hilda and Christy attended a warehouse party in Los Angeles, where they were seen enjoying themselves in the VIP section. However, the night took a dark turn when they left the party with David Pearce, a man they had just met. Surveillance footage captured them leaving with Pearce and two other men, Brandt Osborn and Michael Ansbach.
In the early hours of November 13, Christy texted Hilda, suggesting they call an Uber to leave. However, the Uber never arrived, and the two women were last seen entering Pearce’s apartment. What transpired inside those walls remains a mystery, but it would ultimately lead to their tragic fates.
The Aftermath: A Fight for Justice
Hours later, Christy was found dead at a different hospital, while Hilda was rushed to Kaiser Permanente, where she fought for her life. Toxicology reports revealed that both women had ingested a lethal cocktail of drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, and fentanyl. However, their families were adamant that neither woman would have willingly consumed such dangerous substances.
As investigators pieced together the events of that fateful night, they discovered that Pearce had a history of predatory behavior. He was arrested on multiple sexual assault charges, and evidence suggested that he had drugged and assaulted women before. The police affidavit revealed that Pearce had provided drugs to both Hilda and Christy, leading to their incapacitation.
A Community in Mourning
The deaths of Hilda and Christy sent shockwaves through their communities. Friends and family gathered to honor their memories, celebrating their lives while grappling with the senselessness of their deaths. Hilda’s family, devastated by her loss, made the difficult decision to donate her organs, ensuring that her legacy would live on through others.
In the months that followed, the investigation into their deaths continued, with Pearce and his accomplices facing mounting scrutiny. As the legal proceedings unfolded, the families of Hilda and Christy remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice, determined to ensure that their daughters’ stories would not be forgotten.
Seeking Justice: The Legal Battle
In February 2025, David Pearce was found guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of Hilda Marcela Cabrales and Christy Giles. The jury also convicted him on multiple counts of sexual assault related to other victims. The prosecution argued that Pearce had intentionally provided lethal doses of fentanyl to the women, leading to their tragic deaths.
The case highlighted the broader issue of drug-related violence and the dangers posed by individuals like Pearce, who exploit vulnerable young women. As the legal battle continued, the families of Hilda and Christy remained committed to raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and the importance of seeking justice for victims of violence.
Conclusion: Remembering Hilda and Christy
The tragic story of Hilda Marcela Cabrales and Christy Giles serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of grief. Their vibrant spirits and dreams were extinguished far too soon, but their legacies live on in the hearts of those who loved them. As their families continue to seek justice, they honor the memories of two remarkable young women whose lives were filled with promise and adventure.