A 50-year-old California man, Michael DiGiorgio, has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting nine women, including one woman who tragically died from the drugs involved, prosecutors revealed on Friday. DiGiorgio now faces serious charges, including murder, rape by use of a drug, and supplying a controlled substance, according to court records reviewed by CNN.

DiGiorgio is currently being represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. CNN has reached out to his defense attorney for a statement, but no comments have been received as of Friday or overnight into Saturday.

The alleged assaults occurred between May 2019 and November 2021 at DiGiorgio’s residences in Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, according to prosecutors. Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward.

While officials have not publicly identified the woman who died or provided specifics about the timing of her death, court records indicate the murder charge relates to an offense in July 2020. In a statement, Los Angeles County District Attorney George GascĂłn extended his sympathies to the victims, stating, “I extend my deepest sympathy to the victims, whose lives have been irrevocably changed and the life lost by the alleged brutal acts of the offender. Our office is committed to holding him accountable for the pain and trauma he has inflicted.”

If convicted of the charges, DiGiorgio could face a life sentence, according to the District Attorney’s office. He was arrested earlier this week in Redondo Beach and is currently being held without bail, based on Los Angeles County booking records.

DiGiorgio was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday to enter a plea, but the hearing has been postponed until November 6, as indicated by court records. This is not his first encounter with the law; in 2020, DiGiorgio was previously charged with the rape of an unconscious or sleeping person, among other offenses. However, that case was dismissed due to a failure to provide a speedy trial, and DiGiorgio had pleaded not guilty to those earlier charges.

CNN has also contacted the District Attorney’s office for any further updates regarding the case.

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