Criminal Investigations

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.