DA reviews UCSB freshman’s fatal dorm fall
UC Santa Barbara police concluded that 18-year-old freshman Elizabeth “Liz” Hamel’s Feb. 14, 2025 fall from a San Rafael Residence Hall walkway was accidental and forwarded findings to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney, which says the case remains under review. The family, represented by attorney Tyrone Maho and a private investigator, disputes the conclusion and cites unanswered questions, while UCPD says it conducted an exhaustive probe, interviewed a person of interest, and coordinated with the sheriff and DA.
📌 Key Facts
- UCPD says Hamel’s death was an accidental fall and sent its report to prosecutors.
- Santa Barbara County DA confirms the case is still “under review” with no timeline for a decision.
- Incident occurred Feb. 14, 2025; Hamel was found around 10:26 p.m. beneath a third-floor walkway and died six days later.