UPDATE [5/15/2026, 6:38] This article has been updated to include a statement from UCSB with new information.

Disclaimer, this article contains mentions of sexual violence.

On Saturday night, the UC Santa Barbara Police Department received a report of a rape and strangulation on campus property that occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m.

Nexus file photo

According to a timely warning sent to the UCSB community, the suspect and victim met earlier in the evening at a party in Isla Vista and did not know each other prior. Additionally, no information on the suspect is available at this time. 

Since 2022, campus crime rates have been on the rise, including reports of rape, dating violence and stalking. In light of this trend, the Daily Nexus compiled a resource guide for sexual violence survivors. 

In an update statement to the Nexus, University Media Relations Manager Kiki Reyes said that federal law and university policy prevent them from discussing specifics of the case.

“UCPD has been in direct contact with the survivor’s family from the early stages of the investigation. The campus has been contacted by an attorney purportedly representing the student and their family, and the campus has responded to the attorney on multiple occasions,” the statement added.

UCSB Police Department is actively investigating this crime and urges anyone who may have information that might assist its investigation to contact UCSB Police Department at 805-893-3446, or report the information anonymously on their website.

The Nexus will continue to report on this topic as more information becomes available.

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Levi Kauffman
Levi Kauffman (he/him) is the County News Editor for the 2025-2026 school year. Previously, Kauffman was an Assistant News Editor, as well as a Staff Writer for the 2024-2025 school year. He can be reached at levikauffman@dailynexus.com or news@dailynexus.com.