WESTWOOD/SANTA MONICA—The individual responsible for allegedly kidnapping a UCLA student in March 2026 and allegedly raping a Culver City woman in October 2025 has died. According to reports, he was found unresponsive in a bedroom on Monday, October 5 on the 800 block of San Vicente before 6 p.m. The Santa Monica Police Department and paramedics from the Santa Monica Fire Department responded to the scene of a person not breathing.
Officials pronounced Alexander Schecter, 26, dead at the scene. The case is currently being investigated as a possible suicide. He was expected to appear in court on Tuesday, October 6 for a preliminary court hearing.
Alexander William Schecter, of Santa Monica was charged in case 26ARCF00673 with one felony count of kidnapping to commit another crime; one felony count of first-degree residential robbery; two felony counts of forcible oral copulation; and one felony count of forcible rape. It is further alleged that offenses related to the October 2025 crime involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness. It also is alleged that all victims were particularly vulnerable.
Schecter’s arraignment and bail review hearing was continued to May 4, 2026, in Department 30 of the Airport Courthouse. Bail remains set at $700,000.
On October 12, 2025, at approximately 3:15 a.m., Schecter allegedly sexually assaulted and raped a woman in Culver City. On March 8, 2026, at approximately 3 a.m., Schecter allegedly kidnapped a female UCLA student in the 500 block of Landfair Avenue. He was allegedly dropping off the student in the area when he allegedly prevented her from exiting his vehicle and threatened violence. The student was able to exit the vehicle approximately half a mile away on the 400 block of Gayley Avenue.
On March 12, 2026, UCLA Police arrested Schecter after identifying him as the suspect in the March kidnapping incident. During the investigation, Schecter was identified as the suspect in the October sexual assault and rape.
If convicted as charged, Schecter would have faced 37 years to life in state prison. The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Schecter’s attorney Debra S. White, issued the following statement:
“This case raises a broader question about the Me Too movement. It brought necessary attention to sexual misconduct, but the pendulum has swung too far. An accusation can do enormous damage before the full story is known, particularly when prosecutors overcharge and speak publicly as though guilt has already been decided. Taking allegations seriously does not relieve prosecutors of the responsibility to exercise restraint, fairness, and respect for due process.”
