2001 Isla Vista Killings
Vehicular Homicide Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Isla Vista, California
TIME PERIOD
February 23, 2001
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
On February 23, 2001, at approximately 11:00 p.m., a vehicular homicide occurred in Isla Vista, California, when 18-year-old UCSB student David Attias drove his father's 1991 Saab 9000 at speeds between 50 to 65 mph down Sabado Tarde Road, striking five pedestrians. The incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals: UCSB students Nicholas Bourdakis and Christopher Divis, San Francisco resident Elie Israel, and Santa Barbara City College student Ruth Levy, while Ruth's brother, Albert Arthur Levy, sustained critical injuries and later died in October 2016. Attias was apprehended at the scene after reportedly declaring, "I am the Angel of Death," and was subsequently ruled legally insane, receiving a 60-year sentence in a mental institution, with a court approving his release after 10 years in September 2012. Investigative findings indicated that while Attias was under the influence of marijuana and Lidocaine, these substances were not deemed significant factors in the incident.
David Attias was believed to have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the killings, leading to speculation about the role of substance abuse in the incident. Some community members questioned whether mental health resources were adequately provided for students, suggesting a broader issue of mental health awareness on college campuses. Additionally, there are theories that the attack was premeditated, with some suggesting Attias had a motive related to personal grievances or psychological distress.
The 2001 Isla Vista Killings: A Night of Tragedy
A Fatal Night in Isla Vista
On February 23, 2001, the quiet student enclave of Isla Vista, California, situated near the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), was thrust into chaos. The tranquility of this coastal community was shattered around 11:00 p.m. when a tragic vehicular assault unfolded on the bustling 6500 block of Sabado Tarde Road. David Attias, an 18-year-old UCSB student and the son of television director Dan Attias, commandeered his father's 1991 Saab 9000, accelerating it to a lethal speed of 50 to 65 miles per hour. His reckless drive claimed the lives of four pedestrians and left a fifth critically injured, marking a night that would haunt Isla Vista for years to come.
The Attack
Witnesses of the horrific scene recounted that after his vehicle came to a halt, David Attias emerged, proclaiming himself the "Angel of Death" to the gathering crowd. His chilling declaration and erratic behavior continued until a California Highway Patrol officer subdued him. Initial speculations about Attias's state of mind suggested he might have been under the influence of drugs or that his actions were deliberate. However, subsequent blood tests revealed only traces of marijuana and Lidocaine, neither of which were considered significant factors in the incident.
The Victims
The senseless attack took the lives of four individuals: Nicholas Bourdakis, 20, and Christopher Divis, 20, both UCSB students; Elie Israel, a 27-year-old resident of San Francisco; and Ruth Levy, a 20-year-old Santa Barbara City College student. Tragically, Ruth’s brother, Albert Arthur Levy, 27, suffered catastrophic injuries, including crushed legs and severe head trauma. Despite surviving the initial assault, Albert succumbed to complications from his injuries in October 2016, having endured years of seizures.
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
David Attias faced a torrent of charges following the horrific event, including four counts of murder, four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and five counts of felony driving under the influence. Residents of Attias's dormitory described him as unpredictable, with a history of disturbing behavior, including stalking. Known by peers as "Crazy Dave" and "Tweaker," his mental state became a focal point in the ensuing legal battle.
The trial drew significant media attention, not least because of Attias’s connection to the entertainment industry through his father. Pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, Attias's case became a spectacle in the courtroom. On June 11, 2002, a jury found him guilty of four counts of second-degree murder but acquitted him of driving under the influence. A week later, the jury declared Attias legally insane, resulting in a sentence of up to 60 years at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino.
Memorial and Continued Impact
To honor the lives lost, a memorial was erected in Little Acorn Park, adjacent to the intersection where the tragedy unfolded. This site serves as a somber reminder of the lives tragically cut short that February night.
Release and Rehabilitation
During his time at Patton State Hospital, David Attias received treatment for substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. By May 2012, Attias petitioned for a transfer to an outpatient psychiatric facility, citing management of his bipolar disorder. The proposal stirred concerns among survivors and victims' families about his potential danger if released. Despite these fears, after receiving testimony from mental health experts, the court granted Attias a conditional release. On September 4, 2012, he was transferred to a supervised, unlocked outpatient treatment program.
Conclusion
The 2001 Isla Vista killings remain a poignant chapter in the community's history, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of that fateful night. While David Attias has moved on to a managed life outside of institutional walls, the memories of those lost and affected linger in the hearts of Isla Vista's residents.
Sources
- Nick Welsh, "Fifth Attias Victim Dies," Santa Barbara Independent, October 20, 2016.
- McKay, Hollie (March 20, 2015). "'01 Santa Barbara killer walks free as families relive carnage 13 years later." Fox News.
- Sexton, Steve (February 26, 2001). "UCSB Student Kills Four in High Speed Crash." Daily Californian.
- Finz, Stacy; Haddock, Vicki; Baker, David R.; Hatfield, Larry D. (February 26, 2001). "'I Am Angel of Death' / Cops suspect ramming was intentional." San Francisco Chronicle.
- Ward, Angelina (February 24, 2011). "Vigil Honors Victims of Isla Vista Tragedy." Daily Nexus.
- Haier, Daniel (February 27, 2006). "Grief Lingers In the Wake of Fatal Collision." Daily Nexus.
- Finz, Stacy (February 27, 2001). "Teenager Charged With Murder In Car Deaths / In Isla Vista, friends and family turned out for a vigil at the spot where the victims were killed." San Francisco Chronicle.
- Jones, Andrew (March 5, 2001). "Death of UCSB students should spark awareness on our own campus; Recognizing, reporting odd behavior could prevent tragedies." Daily Bruin.
- Lagos, Marisa (June 6, 2002). "Jury Finds Attias Guilty of Murder." Daily Nexus.
- "Driver Who Killed 4 Ruled Insane." Associated Press. February 11, 2009.
- Cooper, Lara (June 1, 2012). "Hearings Continue on Possible Release of David Attias, Driver Who Killed 4 in Isla Vista." Noozhawk.
- Chen, Ted; Costes, Neil (May 29, 2012). "David Attias Seeks Transfer From Mental Hospital." NBC South California.
- Welsh, Nick (September 4, 2012). "Conditional Release for David Attias." The Independent.
Wikipedia URL: 2001 Isla Vista killings
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Vehicular Assault Occurs
David Attias drives his car into pedestrians, killing four.
Fifth Victim Dies
Albert Arthur Levy, critically injured in the attack, dies from his injuries.
Attias Convicted
David Attias is convicted of four counts of second-degree murder.
Insanity Verdict
Attias is found legally insane, sentenced to 60 years in a mental institution.
Conditional Release Granted
David Attias is conditionally released to an outpatient treatment program.
On February 23, 2001, at approximately 11:00 p.m., a vehicular homicide occurred in Isla Vista, California, when 18-year-old UCSB student David Attias drove his father's 1991 Saab 9000 at speeds between 50 to 65 mph down Sabado Tarde Road, striking five pedestrians. The incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals: UCSB students Nicholas Bourdakis and Christopher Divis, San Francisco resident Elie Israel, and Santa Barbara City College student Ruth Levy, while Ruth's brother, Albert Arthur Levy, sustained critical injuries and later died in October 2016. Attias was apprehended at the scene after reportedly declaring, "I am the Angel of Death," and was subsequently ruled legally insane, receiving a 60-year sentence in a mental institution, with a court approving his release after 10 years in September 2012. Investigative findings indicated that while Attias was under the influence of marijuana and Lidocaine, these substances were not deemed significant factors in the incident.
David Attias was believed to have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the killings, leading to speculation about the role of substance abuse in the incident. Some community members questioned whether mental health resources were adequately provided for students, suggesting a broader issue of mental health awareness on college campuses. Additionally, there are theories that the attack was premeditated, with some suggesting Attias had a motive related to personal grievances or psychological distress.
The 2001 Isla Vista Killings: A Night of Tragedy
A Fatal Night in Isla Vista
On February 23, 2001, the quiet student enclave of Isla Vista, California, situated near the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), was thrust into chaos. The tranquility of this coastal community was shattered around 11:00 p.m. when a tragic vehicular assault unfolded on the bustling 6500 block of Sabado Tarde Road. David Attias, an 18-year-old UCSB student and the son of television director Dan Attias, commandeered his father's 1991 Saab 9000, accelerating it to a lethal speed of 50 to 65 miles per hour. His reckless drive claimed the lives of four pedestrians and left a fifth critically injured, marking a night that would haunt Isla Vista for years to come.
The Attack
Witnesses of the horrific scene recounted that after his vehicle came to a halt, David Attias emerged, proclaiming himself the "Angel of Death" to the gathering crowd. His chilling declaration and erratic behavior continued until a California Highway Patrol officer subdued him. Initial speculations about Attias's state of mind suggested he might have been under the influence of drugs or that his actions were deliberate. However, subsequent blood tests revealed only traces of marijuana and Lidocaine, neither of which were considered significant factors in the incident.
The Victims
The senseless attack took the lives of four individuals: Nicholas Bourdakis, 20, and Christopher Divis, 20, both UCSB students; Elie Israel, a 27-year-old resident of San Francisco; and Ruth Levy, a 20-year-old Santa Barbara City College student. Tragically, Ruth’s brother, Albert Arthur Levy, 27, suffered catastrophic injuries, including crushed legs and severe head trauma. Despite surviving the initial assault, Albert succumbed to complications from his injuries in October 2016, having endured years of seizures.
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
David Attias faced a torrent of charges following the horrific event, including four counts of murder, four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and five counts of felony driving under the influence. Residents of Attias's dormitory described him as unpredictable, with a history of disturbing behavior, including stalking. Known by peers as "Crazy Dave" and "Tweaker," his mental state became a focal point in the ensuing legal battle.
The trial drew significant media attention, not least because of Attias’s connection to the entertainment industry through his father. Pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, Attias's case became a spectacle in the courtroom. On June 11, 2002, a jury found him guilty of four counts of second-degree murder but acquitted him of driving under the influence. A week later, the jury declared Attias legally insane, resulting in a sentence of up to 60 years at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino.
Memorial and Continued Impact
To honor the lives lost, a memorial was erected in Little Acorn Park, adjacent to the intersection where the tragedy unfolded. This site serves as a somber reminder of the lives tragically cut short that February night.
Release and Rehabilitation
During his time at Patton State Hospital, David Attias received treatment for substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. By May 2012, Attias petitioned for a transfer to an outpatient psychiatric facility, citing management of his bipolar disorder. The proposal stirred concerns among survivors and victims' families about his potential danger if released. Despite these fears, after receiving testimony from mental health experts, the court granted Attias a conditional release. On September 4, 2012, he was transferred to a supervised, unlocked outpatient treatment program.
Conclusion
The 2001 Isla Vista killings remain a poignant chapter in the community's history, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of that fateful night. While David Attias has moved on to a managed life outside of institutional walls, the memories of those lost and affected linger in the hearts of Isla Vista's residents.
Sources
- Nick Welsh, "Fifth Attias Victim Dies," Santa Barbara Independent, October 20, 2016.
- McKay, Hollie (March 20, 2015). "'01 Santa Barbara killer walks free as families relive carnage 13 years later." Fox News.
- Sexton, Steve (February 26, 2001). "UCSB Student Kills Four in High Speed Crash." Daily Californian.
- Finz, Stacy; Haddock, Vicki; Baker, David R.; Hatfield, Larry D. (February 26, 2001). "'I Am Angel of Death' / Cops suspect ramming was intentional." San Francisco Chronicle.
- Ward, Angelina (February 24, 2011). "Vigil Honors Victims of Isla Vista Tragedy." Daily Nexus.
- Haier, Daniel (February 27, 2006). "Grief Lingers In the Wake of Fatal Collision." Daily Nexus.
- Finz, Stacy (February 27, 2001). "Teenager Charged With Murder In Car Deaths / In Isla Vista, friends and family turned out for a vigil at the spot where the victims were killed." San Francisco Chronicle.
- Jones, Andrew (March 5, 2001). "Death of UCSB students should spark awareness on our own campus; Recognizing, reporting odd behavior could prevent tragedies." Daily Bruin.
- Lagos, Marisa (June 6, 2002). "Jury Finds Attias Guilty of Murder." Daily Nexus.
- "Driver Who Killed 4 Ruled Insane." Associated Press. February 11, 2009.
- Cooper, Lara (June 1, 2012). "Hearings Continue on Possible Release of David Attias, Driver Who Killed 4 in Isla Vista." Noozhawk.
- Chen, Ted; Costes, Neil (May 29, 2012). "David Attias Seeks Transfer From Mental Hospital." NBC South California.
- Welsh, Nick (September 4, 2012). "Conditional Release for David Attias." The Independent.
Wikipedia URL: 2001 Isla Vista killings
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Vehicular Assault Occurs
David Attias drives his car into pedestrians, killing four.
Fifth Victim Dies
Albert Arthur Levy, critically injured in the attack, dies from his injuries.
Attias Convicted
David Attias is convicted of four counts of second-degree murder.
Insanity Verdict
Attias is found legally insane, sentenced to 60 years in a mental institution.
Conditional Release Granted
David Attias is conditionally released to an outpatient treatment program.