The dad and mom of a College of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) pupil who was allegedly raped and strangled close to campus are demanding that exterior regulation enforcement be introduced into the investigation, saying they concern campus police might mishandle the case simply as they consider occurred following one other pupil’s dying final 12 months.
The California Publish has discovered the sufferer’s household has retained lawyer Tyrone Maho and personal investigator Michael Claytor amid considerations that the UCSB Police Division might not have the assets wanted to totally examine the still-unsolved assault.
The suspect stays unidentified days after the assault.
The household is now urgent for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Division to affix the investigation, arguing a bigger company with broader expertise is required to trace down the attacker.
Their considerations are additionally rooted within the unresolved dying of UCSB freshman Elizabeth “Liz” Hamel, 18, who suffered deadly accidents after falling from a third-floor breezeway at San Rafael Residence Corridor on Feb. 14, 2025.
She died about six days later at Cottage Hospital.
Investigators beforehand decided a younger man left a celebration at Lao Wang’s in Isla Vista with Hamel earlier than the autumn.
That particular person allegedly witnessed her fall however didn’t name 911, based on household accounts.
Maho, who additionally represents Hamel’s household, mentioned the brand new sexual assault case has intensified worries about whether or not campus police can deal with advanced, high-stakes investigations alone.
“We’re pleading with the chancellor to please request the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Division to assist with this investigation to apprehend this particular person,” Maho mentioned in an announcement on behalf of the sufferer’s dad and mom.
“I do consider they honestly wish to discover this particular person, we’re simply asking that they get help,” he mentioned. “That may be a division that’s greater and extra succesful and has the expertise to take action.”
Claytor, a former Santa Barbara Police Division detective now working for the household as a non-public investigator, warned the suspect stays at massive and poses an ongoing hazard to college students and residents.
In line with Claytor, the attacker is prone to strike once more until shortly apprehended.
The alleged assault occurred round 10 p.m. on Might 10, based on a campus alert despatched to college students.
Authorities mentioned the sufferer and suspect met earlier that night time at a celebration in Isla Vista and didn’t know one another beforehand.
Claytor urged anybody with even minor or unsure data to return ahead.
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“Bear in mind it is perhaps sufficient to say I noticed this and so they can then put the items collectively themselves they aren’t going to wish to make use of you to testify,” he mentioned. “Give them what’s vital and allow them to do the remaining.”
Maho additionally raised considerations about UC Santa Barbara Chancellor Dennis Assanis, citing prior criticism he confronted over his dealing with of a home and sexual violence matter throughout his earlier tenure as president of the College of Delaware.
In line with Maho, Assanis has refused to talk with him in regards to the present case.
In an announcement offered to The Publish, the UCSB Police Division mentioned federal regulation and college coverage forestall officers from discussing particular case particulars publicly, however emphasised that the investigation stays lively.
The division mentioned it has strong assets to assist survivors and famous that every one crimes on campus property are investigated by sworn UCPD officers.
It added that UCPD is a POST-certified and accredited regulation enforcement company, together with recognition by the Worldwide Affiliation of Campus Legislation Enforcement Directors.
UCPD mentioned it really works carefully with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Workplace and the District Lawyer’s Workplace when acceptable.
Officers additionally mentioned a well timed warning was issued to the campus neighborhood on Sunday.
The division mentioned investigators have been in direct contact with the survivor’s household for the reason that early levels of the case and that it has additionally responded a number of occasions to an lawyer representing the household.
UCPD mentioned it’s actively looking for details about anybody concerned and is encouraging witnesses to return ahead. Suggestions may be submitted to the UCSB Police Division or anonymously at 805-893-7274.
The California Publish has reached out to UC Santa Barbara Police, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Division and Chancellor Assanis for remark.
