A 29-year-old man, Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, has been charged with assaulting five women at UCLA in less than an hour on May 28, according to prosecutors. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed charges including attempted kidnapping to commit forcible rape, assault with intent to commit forcible rape during burglary, and assault likely to produce great bodily injury. Four of the victims were students.
Core Facts & Immediate Action
Akindahunsi allegedly attacked a woman around 11:30 p.m., who escaped with her phone. He then followed two students to their dorm room, where he sexually assaulted both. Prosecutors say he later tried to kidnap a third woman in a different dorm but fled when she escaped. He allegedly assaulted another woman in a hallway before being detained by UCLA Police. If convicted, he faces 32 years to life in prison and lifetime sex offender registration.
Deeper Dive & Context
Alleged Weapons & Deterrence
Authorities reported Akindahunsi was found with zip ties and duct tape, though the significance of these items was not specified. District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized the case’s impact on campus safety, stating, 'These disturbing attacks strike at the core of campus safety.' He added that the prosecution aims to deter similar crimes on college campuses.
Campus Safety & Legal Response
UCLA Police worked closely with prosecutors to secure charges. The case follows other high-profile incidents at the university, including a former gynecologist’s conviction for sexually assaulting patients. No additional policy changes or university statements were reported in connection to this case.
Defendant’s Status
Akindahunsi, who is not a UCLA student, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His motive remains unspecified in court documents.