Two Men Charged with Rape in Newport Beach

Kayden Elijah King and Jimmy Price face multiple felony charges for alleged attack on intoxicated woman.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:35pm

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Two men, Kayden Elijah King and Jimmy Price, both 23, have been charged with raping an intoxicated woman in Newport Beach on March 12. The men pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to return to court on March 24 for a pretrial hearing. Price was out on bail in a separate attempted murder case when the alleged rape occurred.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the challenges of the criminal justice system in protecting public safety, especially for vulnerable victims. The alleged sophistication of the attack and the defendants' criminal histories raise questions about bail reform and the need for more comprehensive support services.

The details

According to authorities, King and Price were arrested around 2 a.m. on March 12 at 26th Street and Balboa Boulevard in Newport Beach. The criminal complaint alleges the men took the victim's cell phone and hid it after fleeing the scene. King has a lengthy criminal history, including a prior felony burglary conviction and a domestic violence case involving a girlfriend, for which he was granted mental health diversion. His mother has twice sought restraining orders against him, citing his history of mental illness, drug abuse, and threats.

  • On March 12, King and Price allegedly raped an intoxicated woman in Newport Beach.
  • On March 16, King and Price were charged with rape and rape by use of drugs.
  • On March 24, King and Price are scheduled to return to court for a pretrial hearing.

The players

Kayden Elijah King

A 23-year-old man charged with rape and rape by use of drugs. He has a lengthy criminal history, including a prior felony burglary conviction and a domestic violence case involving a girlfriend, for which he was granted mental health diversion.

Jimmy Price

A 23-year-old man charged with rape and rape by use of drugs. He was out on bail in a separate attempted murder case when the alleged rape occurred.

Newport Beach Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested King and Price in connection with the alleged rape.

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What they’re saying

“The criminal complaint alleges the attack was done with 'sophistication and professionalism' because they took the victim's cell phone and hid it after fleeing the scene.”

— Heather Rangel, Spokeswoman, Newport Beach Police Department (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 24 whether to allow King and Price to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of the criminal justice system in protecting vulnerable victims, especially when dealing with repeat offenders. It raises questions about the need for more comprehensive support services and bail reform to address the complex issues of mental health, drug abuse, and public safety.