A local man suspected of kidnapping and rape killed himself at his home on Monday, the day before his court case was set to begin.
Schecter, 24, of Santa Monica, was arrested at his residence on suspicion of rape by force, forcible oral copulation, robbery, extortion and battery following a monthslong investigation by the UCLA Police Department in March. He was released on bail and was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
The investigation began after UCLA police responded to a reported kidnapping and false imprisonment. According to police, two female UCLA students were being dropped off when Schecter, who had no known university affiliation, prevented them from leaving his vehicle, threatened violence and drove about half a mile away.
Detectives identified Schecter four days later and arrested him March 12 on suspicion of kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Investigators later linked him to a previously unreported sexual assault of an adult woman with no known university affiliation.
Schecter’s family released a statement to the LA Times criticizing officials' handling of the case. Schecter’s attorney said even when investigating serious allegations, officials should show respect for due process.
“It brought necessary attention to sexual misconduct, but the pendulum has swung too far,” Schecter’s attorney, Debra S. White, said in a statement. “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.
The Westside Current contributed to this report