The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) held a press conference on Wednesday to announce that it was investigating a shocking drugged rape case at the University of Southern California (USC).
The suspect, SiZhe Weng, a Chinese graduate doctoral student at the University of Southern California (USC), is only 30 years old, suspected of raping several women after taking drugs between 2021 and 2025, and is currently charged with eight serious crimes, has been detained and has not been released on bail.
At a news conference, Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Director Alan Hamilton said that Mr. O'Higgins was accused of using "anesthetic substances" to reduce the victim's ability to act in order to commit sexual assault.
Police suspect that his behavior is very similar to the use of commonly referred to as "rooies" (or fluorocarbonate, commonly referred to as "dating rapist").
Hamilton said that Los Angeles police received an investigation request from German authorities in January this year to investigate a China student who had lived in Los Angeles for many years who committed a similar rape case in Germany.
Records show that Mr. Oncee has obtained a U.S. student visa from 2021 and is currently studying a PhD.
According to information provided by German authorities, the Los Angeles Police Department conducted a six-month follow-up investigation into Huntsville. Meanwhile, the police received at least three women reporting that Huntsville put anesthetic drugs in their food or beverage and then raped and sexually assaulted them. The case lasted up to four years, involving criminal acts in multiple different circumstances, some of which may be located in Huntsville's home or out-of-campus venue.
On August 28 of this year, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested Onsace and conducted a search of his residence near USC.
On Sept. 2, Weng Size was charged with eight felonies, including one count of rape; Two counts of sodomy by controlled substances or narcotic substances; One count of rape committed through controlled substances; Four counts of sexual assault by controlled or narcotic drugs. But he pleaded not guilty.
Hamilton said preliminary investigations showed the number of suspects was “approximately one-digit,” but police believe the actual number could be more. He called for more victims to stand up to assist in the investigation: “We believe that other women may have suffered similar abuse. We want anyone with relevant information to contact the police as soon as possible.”
Hamilton expects Weng Sizhe will face more charges as more victims come forward.
Face life imprisonment
According to Los Angeles County Prison Records, Mr. Owen was arrested on August 28 and is currently detained at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility without bail. He appeared on September 2 and denied all charges. The next hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2026, at the Los Angeles City Court.
The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said that if Weng is convicted, he will face 25 years to life in prison, with an additional 56 years in California state prison and life registration as a sex offender.
Los Angeles County local prosecutor Nathan Hochman said in a statement that such crimes are highly disguised and devastating, causing long-term trauma to the victims’ psychology and lives.
Los Angeles prosecutors released a statement in English and Chinese
Hawkman stressed: “No one should experience the pain of being drugged, assaulted, and deprived of sexual autonomy. Our prosecutors in the Sexual Crime Department will work closely with the police to ensure that every victim’s voice is heard and that justice is brought to them.”
He also urged potential victims at home and abroad to contact law enforcement as soon as possible, noting that some cases may involve international students or inter-university social activities and require cross-border investigation.
Both the police and the prosecution appeal that if you know something inside information or are a victim, please contact the Los Angeles Police Investigation Team immediately at 213-486-6890.Anonymous reporting hotline: 800-222-TIPS (8477), online reporting website: lacrimestoppers. org.
If you are a victim, please contact the investigation team immediately. Your report will add one more accusation to Weng Sizhe, and your justice will be done!
Vice Director Hamilton reiterated: “Even small clues can help us prevent more victims from being hurt.