A plea agreement that the State Attorney said brings justice to Malibu Rapist victims in Orlando was announced.
The State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit announced George Girtman, a convicted serial rapist known as the “Malibu Rapist,” entered a plea agreement and the Court adjudicated him guilty on one count of Sexual Battery with a Deadly Weapon in connection to a 1988 cold case.
Girtman terrorized women and girls across Orlando throughout the 1980s and 1990s. While he is already serving two life sentences for previous convictions, Girtman’s plea adds another layer of accountability for the heinous acts he committed decades ago. This marks the seventh Sexual Battery conviction against him.
Girtman brutally attacked Ms. Gail Gardner in her home 33 years ago, and for decades, she fought to bring her attacker to justice. After discovering DNA collected in her case had never been tested, she pushed for it to be examined. In 2021, the Orlando Police Department announced it had tested Ms. Gardner’s rape kit and several other cold case rape kits and DNA evidence linked Girtman to the assaults.
This breakthrough allowed charges to be filed for seven victims. Though the plea was for the charge related to Ms. Gardner, it represents the collective strength of all the survivors, whose support and cooperation helped bring about this resolution. It also allowed the six other victims the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement to the Court.
“The bravery and fearlessness of all the survivors, and in particular Ms. Gardner, have brought us to this day. Ms. Gardner stood up for herself and for all survivors of sexual assault,” said State Attorney Andrew Bain. “Today’s resolution is a reminder that justice, though sometimes delayed, is never out of reach. Our office is committed to continuing to stand up for victims, ensuring their voices are heard and to never stop fighting for justice.”
Mr. Girtman was sentenced to just over three years in prison with credit for time served. He is currently serving two life sentences for a previous sex crime conviction.
