Editor’s note: This story contains descriptions of sexual violence.
UC Santa Barbara police issued a Timely Warning at 12:39 on Sunday, May 10, 2026, after receiving a report of a rape and strangulation that occurred in campus housing late Saturday night.
According to UCPD, the incident was reported around midnight and is believed to have occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m. on May 9.
The suspect and survivor met earlier in the evening at a party in Isla Vista and were otherwise unknown to one another. No suspect information is available for release at this time.
UCPD is investigating. Anyone with information that may assist detectives is urged to contact the UCSB Police Department at (805) 893-3446 or submit tips anonymously at www.police.ucsb.edu/report-crime.
Support and reporting resources
- CARE at UCSB provides free, confidential support and advocacy for students, staff, and faculty impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking. The 24/7 confidential line is (805) 893-4613. More information: care.ucsb.edu.
- Information about UCSB policies and support resources related to sexual violence and harassment is available at the Title IX Compliance and Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Office website: https://titleix-dhp.ucsb.edu/.
- The Title IX/DHP Office can be reached at (805) 893-2701 or tixoffice@titleix.ucsb.edu, and is located at 3211 Phelps Hall, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2065. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (hybrid schedule; in-person appointments available upon request). The office accepts reports and can explain rights, options, and resources, including confidential options.
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Due to university politics, they might not be the best source for support and/or justice. I hope the victim chooses to seek alternate support resources, for example Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) (Formerly known as the Rape Crisis Center), a free and reputable resource in the community. They offer counseling, and assistance with all next steps, depending on the victim’s choice. Their services are available to all genders. 433 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 564-3696.
UCSB should abolish fraternities.
Was the offender from a fraternity? Is there more information in the news ???
Or, did you just use this heinous crime as an opportinity to draw attention to yourself???
OLD – Society should abolish all old people just because some of them, LIKE YOU, are miserable bigots who generalize everyone.
See how that works?
“The 18-year-old UCSB freshman was attacked at the Tropicana Gardens student housing in Isla Vista at 6585 El Colegio Road at about 11 p.m. Saturday after attending a Sigma Pi fraternity party.”
See how that works?