Students and community members gathered Tuesday evening in Isla Vista for a vigil amid ongoing fear and uncertainty following an alleged rape and strangulation attack near the University of California, Santa Barbara. The event, held at Greek Park, occurred 18 days after the incident, which has yet to be resolved.

According to reports, the victim survived the assault, which took place on or around May 9. Authorities say the victim and the unidentified suspect met at a party in Isla Vista, the town adjacent to the UCSB campus, and were not previously acquainted. The university community was first alerted to the incident on the night of May 10.

Since the attack, concern among students and residents has heightened due to the lack of an identified suspect and the case’s status as unsolved. In response, the victim’s family has publicly urged the involvement of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, questioning whether the UC Santa Barbara Police Department has adequate resources and experience to thoroughly investigate the case.

Represented by attorney Tyrone Maho and private investigator Michael Claytor, the family is seeking additional support from law enforcement agencies to aid in locating and apprehending the suspect. They cited apprehensions regarding potential mishandling of the case and referenced issues linked to a previous student death last year as reasons for expanding the investigative team.

“Our singular focus remains seeing this monster behind bars,” the victim’s parents stated, adding that they currently have more questions than answers. Efforts to reach attorney Maho for comment were unsuccessful.

The vigil provided an opportunity for students and community members to come together quietly, holding candles and standing in small groups along the park’s paved walkways as daylight faded. Organizers and attendees expressed the collective desire for justice and safety as the investigation continues.