Strictly spin-off show star was arrested for murder but released free of charge

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Strictly Come Dancing is known for its charming glitz and glamour of the infamous ballroom.

Since the celebrity dance competition launched in 2004, BBC bosses aim to bring joy and laughter to fans tuning in up and down the country. But not even the hugely popular dance competition can escape their fair share of drama over the years.

Back in November 2021, the American spin-off show Dancing With The Stars was shaken after one of their former cameramen was arrested for murder. Cameraman Michael Ansbach and pal Brandt Osbor were arrested for accessories to manslaughter for the deaths of model Christy Giles and designer Hilda Marcella Cabrales-Arzola, before they were released without charge.

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Producer David Pearce, 37, who has worked on films such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E and Avengers: Age of Ultron, was arrested for manslaughter. It is understood the two women’s bodies were dumped outside of two different hospitals in the heart of Los Angeles.

LAPD investigators said three men met Giles and Cabrales-Arzola at an after-hours warehouse party on November 13 before the group moved on to the director’s apartment. Officials later claim two masked men driving a Toyota Prius without license plates dropped them off at separate medical facilities.

Unfortunately, the two women never recovered. The beloved model died on November 13 with Cabrales-Arzola remaining in critical condition and declared brain dead before she passed away November 26.

According to LA county medical examiner coroner’s office, Giles’ cause of death was due to “multiple drug intoxication”, as first reported by People magazine. She reportedly had a mix of cocaine, fentanyl, ketamine and gamma-hydroxybutyrate acid (GHB) in her system when she died. Giles’ husband Jan Cilliers broke down following the loss of his partner to ABC7.

He told viewers: “The loss is just so hard. People share these amazing videos that they have with her and it just brings back her energy. I know I'll never get to see her or kiss her or touch her again and it is just so heartbreaking.”

Following their tragic deaths, a GoFundMe was launched by her family. They informed readers that funds collected through the campaign “are going towards the investigations of both Christy and Hilda’s cases”.

They went on: “We appreciate any donations that will provide the resources needed in order to put a concrete case together to bring justice for both of these beautiful, innocent young women who are no longer with us.”

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Since then, the videographer has moved to New York after he was released on bail with a $100,000 bond. The filmmaker has worked on Dancing With The Stars, La Ink, Shark Tank and Vanderpump Rules. The Strictly spin-off show launched in America in 2005.

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Strictly Come Dancing
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