The victim in this case is a 21 year old senior at UCSC. She is recovering at her family home in the San Francisco Bay Area. At this point, she is declining the opportunity to speak directly with the media and is determined to finish her college year and graduate. The victim has prepared the following statement and has asked the police department to release it on her behalf.
“I want to first and foremost thank all of the extraordinary men and women of the Santa Cruz Police Department who have been working diligently on my case. My family and I are exceedingly thankful for the effort you have shown in trying to apprehend the culprit. I also want to extend my thanks to all of the doctors, nurses, and paramedics who provided me with care, attention, and support when I needed it most. Lastly, I would like to thank the woman who stopped her truck to help a stranger without a moment’s hesitation. Though I was unable to get her name I am forever grateful for the kindness she showed.
I am extremely moved by the kind words and genuine concern that have been extended to me by friends, family and strangers. I am very pleased to say that I am healing more and more everyday and am recovering at home. Though it will be some time until I fully understand and accept what has occurred to me, I can say with absolute certainty that I have never been more happy to be alive. I plan to return to Santa Cruz next week for another check up with my doctor and with the help and services the university has extended to me, to begin the process of returning to my regular classes and normal life.”
The victim’s laptop computer, which she uses for her studies, and wallet were taken in the course of the robbery. It has not been recovered. Meanwhile, Detectives continue to follow up on leads and are asking the public’s help in identifying the suspect involved and locating his vehicle.