Ashton Kutcher may face the man accused of brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend

HOLLYWOOD star Ashton Kutcher may be called to testify against the serial killer accused of brutally murdering his girlfriend in 2001.

Actor Ashton Kutcher, who co-stars in new movie 'What Happens in Vegas', appears on the NBC 'Today' television program at Rockefeller Centre in New York, 05/05/2008.

HOLLYWOOD actor Ashton Kutcher may be forced to face the man accused of brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend in an horrific attack 14 years ago.

Reports suggest the That 70s Show star will be called as a witness to give evidence in the trial of alleged serial killer Michael Gargiulo.

Shocking death ... Ashton Kutcher rarely speaks about the 2001 murder of his then girlfriend Ashley Ellerin.

Kutcher had just started dating aspiring model and student Ashley Ellerin, 22, when she was killed on February 22, 2001.

Gargiulo lived just metres away from her Hollywood home and allegedly broke in while she showered and stabbed her 48 times.

Court documents published by a magazine in the US state that the attack was so violent that Ellerin was nearly decapitated.

Serial killer ... Michael Gargiulo’s murder trial is expected to begin in coming months. Police allege he has four victims. Picture: Supplied

Earlier that day, Ellerin had reportedly phoned Kutcher — a new love interest — and the two arranged to catch up that night.

But he was late and missed their date. When Kutcher went to her house later to apologise, there was no answer at the door.

The actor later told police that he looked in a window and saw what looked like red wine spilt on the floor.

Ellerin’s housemate discovered her body the next day.

Sad loss ... Ashley Ellerin was an aspiring model and student, and had just started dating Ashton Kutcher before her murder. Picture: LAPD.

Police say Gargiulo had three other victims, including another woman who lived just a few houses away from him in the neighbourhood.

Years after both attacks, DNA evidence was recovered from the scene of an attempted murder that allegedly linked him to the cases.

The trial is expected to begin in the coming months.