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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2008

Contact:

Lieutenant Daniel Salerno
(310) 458-8760

On Monday, April 28, 2008, at 11:45 pm, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department responded to an apartment complex located in the 1200 block of 12^th Street regarding a home invasion, attempt murder investigation.  The female victim was home alone when she was awakened by a male suspect armed with a knife attacking her.  The victim fought the assailant and was stabbed several times during the ensuing struggle.  The victim was immediately transported to an area hospital where her injuries were treated.  The suspect fled the location on foot. 

Detectives and Forensic Specialists from the Santa Monica Police Department processed the crime scene locating DNA evidence.  That evidence was processed through the State’s DNA database and a possible suspect was identified.

Investigators located the suspect and arrested him on June 6, 2008.  The suspect is identified as Michael Thomas Gargiulo, 32-years-old, currently a Santa Monica Resident.  Mr. Gargiulo is being held on bail in the amount of $1,100,000.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office is expected to arraign Mr. Gargiulo on the charges of attempted willful deliberate, and premeditated murder and burglary.  Mr. Gargiulo will be arraigned on June 10, 2008 in the LAX courthouse, Dept. 242.   

Detectives believe the suspect entered the victim’s residence through a partially opened window.  Residents are reminded not to leave their windows and doors open during the upcoming warm summer months as predators are looking for simple opportunities to commit crimes. 

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about Mr. Gargiulo and this crime are encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department Detectives at (310) 458-8451, the Watch Commander (310) 458-8427 (24 hours).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip hotline at 1 (800) 78-crime (27463).