Concerns Rise Over UCSB Investigation Following Assault
The parents of a University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) student, who was reportedly raped and strangled near the campus, are urging for external law enforcement involvement in the investigation. Their apprehension stems from fears that campus police may not be adequately equipped to handle the case, especially after an incident involving another student last year.
As reported by California Post, the family has hired attorney Tyrone Maho and private investigator Michael Claytor, voicing concerns about UCSB Police Department’s capacity to thoroughly probe the unresolved assault.
Days after the incident, the suspect has not yet been identified.
Now, the family is calling on the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department to step in. They believe that a larger agency with broader experience could effectively track down the perpetrator.
Their worries are compounded by the unsolved death of 18-year-old UCSB freshman Elizabeth “Liz” Hummel, who fell from the third floor of the San Rafael Residence Hall on February 14, 2025.
She passed away six days later at Cottage Hospital.
Investigators had initially found that Hummel left a party at Lao One’s in Isla Vista with a male companion prior to the fall. Family members noted that a bystander witnessed her fall but failed to call 911.
Maho, who is also handling Hummel’s case, expressed that the latest sexual assault incident raises questions about the campus police’s ability to manage intricate, high-stakes investigations.
“We’re requesting that the chancellor reach out to the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department to assist in this investigation,” Maho stated for the victim’s parents. “I think there’s a strong desire to locate this individual. We’re simply asking for some assistance,” he added, emphasizing the capability and resources of a larger department.
Claytor, a former Santa Barbara police detective now working as a private investigator, cautioned that the perpetrator is still at large, posing a significant risk to students and residents. He warned that the attacker might strike again if not caught soon.
According to a campus alert, the alleged assault occurred on May 10 around 10 p.m.
Authorities mentioned that the victim and the suspect met at a party that night in Isla Vista and did not know each other prior to the event.
Claytor encouraged anyone with information, no matter how small or uncertain, to come forward. “It could help them connect the dots,” he advised.
Maho expressed concerns regarding UCSB President Dennis Assanis, referencing past criticisms of his handling of domestic and sexual violence issues during his tenure at the University of Delaware.
Maho noted that Assanis had declined to discuss the matter with him.
The UCSB Police Department, in a statement, acknowledged that federal law and university policy restrict them from sharing specific details about the incident, but assured that the investigation is ongoing. They highlighted that they have robust resources to support survivors and that all crimes on campus are investigated by sworn officers.
The department confirmed that they are coordinating with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office when necessary.
Authorities also noted that a timely warning was issued to the campus community on Sunday, and investigators have maintained contact with the victims’ families since the early stages of the case.
The UCSB Police are actively looking for witnesses and encouraging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted directly to the UCSB Police Department or anonymously via a provided hotline.
The California Post has reached out to both the UCSB police and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department for further comments.
