The family of a UC Santa Barbara student, who alleges she was violently assaulted and strangled following a fraternity gathering last month, is appealing to fellow students to identify the perpetrator. They are convinced that some students might hold key information regarding this distressing incident.
As of now, law enforcement officials have not apprehended anyone related to this shocking crime, which has deeply unsettled both the student body and faculty at the renowned party school. The victim, whose identity remains confidential, reportedly endured the assault within her dormitory.
The parents of the 18-year-old freshman suspect that her peers could have vital insights about the incident. They are urging these individuals to come forward with any information before the academic year concludes.
“We are confident there are those who know about our daughter’s ordeal and will find solace by speaking up, even anonymously, before they depart Santa Barbara after finals this week,” the family expressed in a statement shared with The Post.
Their lawyer, Tyrone Maho, emphasized the urgency, warning that crucial evidence might be lost as students prepare to leave campus soon.
“Time is crucial,” Maho stated. “Anyone with photos, videos, or any piece of information should immediately contact the authorities.”
The victim’s family remains distressed that an arrest has yet to be made in the case, Maho said, while students have also expressed concerns as an investigation hasn’t produced any results.
The alleged assault occurred after the victim and suspect met at Sigma Pi fraternity party in Isla Vista, the nearby college town surrounding the university, on May 9.
The victim left the party with the suspect at about 10 p.m. and was seen with her alleged attacker at the Tropicana Gardens dormitory between 10:36 and 11:05 p.m. That’s where the assault allegedly took place, Maho said.
The victim called 911 immediately after the incident, according to Maho.
The victim’s parents have asked for outside law enforcement to join the investigation currently being conducted by university police, citing concerns that campus cops may lack sufficient resources to solve that case.
The family also retained a private investigator, saying they fear the college could mishandle the case following another student’s death last year that remains unresolved.
They cited the death of UCSB freshman Elizabeth “Liz” Hamel, 18, who last year died after going off of a third-floor breezeway at San Rafael Residence Hall.
UC Santa Barbara spokeswoman Kiki Reyes said reports of any crime that take place on university property are fully investigated by sworn officers of the University of California Police Department, which is certified and accredited.
Reyes said federal law and university policy prevent the university from discussing specifics of the rape case from May, but the campus has robust resources available to support survivors of sexual violence.
“UCPD has been in direct contact with the survivor’s family from the early stages of the investigation,” said Reyes. “The incident is currently under active investigation.”
