Santa Monica Man Charged in UCLA Student Kidnapping, Separate Rape

Authorities say Alexander Schecter, 26, is accused of multiple violent crimes against women in the Los Angeles area.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a torn piece of fabric or broken personal item, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a black background, conceptually representing the violence of the reported crimes.A recent wave of violent crimes against women in the Los Angeles area has sparked renewed calls for improved campus safety and criminal justice reform.Los Angeles Today

A 26-year-old Santa Monica man has been charged with the kidnapping of a UCLA student and the rape of a separate woman in incidents that occurred months apart. Alexander Schecter was initially arrested in March for allegedly preventing two female students from leaving his car near the UCLA campus, and was later rearrested and charged with additional violent crimes against women.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual violence and safety for women, especially near college campuses. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to prevent repeat offenders from committing further crimes after being released on bail.

The details

On March 8, two female UCLA students reported that a man, later identified as Schecter, prevented them from exiting his vehicle and threatened violence when they were being dropped off near campus. Schecter posted bail and was released, but police later identified him as the suspect in a previously unreported sexual assault involving a separate woman that happened about five months earlier in the Palms and Culver City area.

  • On March 8, 2026 around 3 a.m., two female UCLA students reported the alleged kidnapping incident.
  • On March 12, 2026, Schecter was initially arrested at his Santa Monica home.
  • On March 21, 2026, Schecter was rearrested by UCPD officers.
  • On October 12, 2025 between 2-5 a.m., Schecter allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in the Palms and Culver City area.

The players

Alexander Schecter

A 26-year-old Santa Monica resident who has been charged with the kidnapping of a UCLA student and the rape of a separate woman.

UCLA Police Department

The campus police force that initially arrested Schecter and continued to investigate the case, leading to additional charges.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Schecter is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on Friday.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual violence and safety for women, especially near college campuses, as well as questions about the criminal justice system's ability to prevent repeat offenders from committing further crimes after being released on bail.