Man charged for alleged UCLA student kidnapping, Culver City rape

Alexander William Schecter faces multiple felony charges for violent crimes against vulnerable victims

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:09am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single handcuff against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the grim realities of a violent crime investigation.A harsh, unforgiving close-up of the physical evidence of a violent crime serves as a somber reminder of the trauma inflicted upon vulnerable victims.Los Angeles Today

A 26-year-old Santa Monica man has been charged with kidnapping, robbery, and multiple counts of forcible oral copulation and rape for alleged incidents in March 2026 involving a UCLA student and in October 2025 in Culver City. Prosecutors say the crimes involved 'great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness'.

Why it matters

These violent crimes have left victims with 'unimaginable trauma' and have raised concerns about public safety, especially for vulnerable individuals in the Los Angeles area. The case highlights the need for stronger measures to protect against such predatory behavior.

The details

Alexander William Schecter was arrested in March 2026 after allegedly kidnapping a female UCLA student, refusing to let her out of his vehicle, and threatening violence before driving to another location. He was later connected to an alleged rape that occurred in Culver City in October 2025. Prosecutors say the crimes involved 'great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness'.

  • Schecter was arrested on March 12, 2026 but released after posting bail.
  • He was arrested again about two weeks later after police connected him to the alleged October 2025 rape incident.
  • The alleged rape in Culver City occurred on October 12, 2025 at 3:15 a.m.

The players

Alexander William Schecter

A 26-year-old Santa Monica man charged with kidnapping, robbery, and multiple counts of forcible oral copulation and rape for alleged incidents in March 2026 involving a UCLA student and in October 2025 in Culver City.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who stated that the 'callous and deeply disturbing actions of the defendant have left three women with unimaginable trauma'.

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What they’re saying

“The callous and deeply disturbing actions of the defendant have left three women with unimaginable trauma. I want to first recognize the bravery of the victims for coming forward to report what happened to them. Their bravery not only brings us closer to justice but also helps us protect others.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

What’s next

Schecter's arraignment and bail review hearing, which was scheduled for Monday, was continued to May 4. Prosecutors plan to ask the court to double his bail amount from $70,000.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals in the Los Angeles area from predatory violence. The bravery of the victims in coming forward is commendable and will help bring the perpetrator to justice, but more must be done to prevent such traumatic crimes from occurring in the first place.