A 22-year-old Illinois college student has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly strangling a female acquaintance and assaulting her with a weapon in his dorm room, yet was released without bail due to state law.
At a Glance
- Luca Vulpescu, a Lake Forest College student, faces charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and two counts of battery
- The incident involved the alleged strangling of a female acquaintance and assault with a deadly weapon in his dorm room
- Vulpescu was released without bond under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act despite the serious nature of the charges
- He has been banned from campus and ordered not to contact the victim while awaiting his March 24 court date
- Police have not disclosed the victim’s condition or confirmed if she is a student
Violent Assault on Illinois Campus
Lake Forest College in Illinois has become the scene of a disturbing crime after student Luca Vulpescu, 22, was arrested following a violent incident in his dorm room. According to law enforcement reports, Vulpescu allegedly strangled a female victim and assaulted her with a deadly weapon on campus. The Lake Forest Police Department responded to reports of the attack, quickly identifying and apprehending Vulpescu. Despite the serious nature of the alleged crimes, he was released from custody without posting any bond, raising concerns about public safety on the campus north of Chicago.
Authorities have emphasized that the assault was not random, indicating that Vulpescu and the woman were acquainted prior to the incident. “This was not an incident involving a stranger or random attack,” Lake Forest Deputy Police Chief Kevin Zelk said. The relationship between the suspect and victim appears to have factored into the encounter, though police have not elaborated on the exact nature of their acquaintance. The attack has alarmed the tight-knit college community, where such violent incidents are rare but deeply concerning when they occur.
No Bail Required Under Illinois Law
And in a twist that makes this case all the more disgusting, Vulpescu was released from custody without having to post any bond, despite facing serious felony charges.
That’s what Democrats want, right?
His release comes as a result of Illinois’ controversial SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail for many offenses in the state. The charges against Vulpescu—which include felony aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and two counts of battery—were deemed “non-detainable” under the provisions of the law. This aspect of the case highlights ongoing debates about criminal justice reform and public safety concerns in Illinois.
“I cannot elaborate on the nature of the offenses at this time, as the investigation is still ongoing,” Lake Forest Deputy Police Chief Kevin Zelk said.
While released from custody, Vulpescu faces significant restrictions. The court has ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim, required him to remain within the state of Illinois, and banned him completely from the Lake Forest College campus. Additionally, he must comply with all court proceedings, including his scheduled appearance on March 24. These conditions represent the court’s attempt to balance the presumption of innocence with concerns for victim safety and the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Police have been notably reticent about providing details regarding the female victim in the case. As of now, authorities have not disclosed whether she is a student at Lake Forest College or released any information about her current medical condition following the alleged attack. This information blackout is typical in cases involving potential privacy concerns for victims of violent crime. The lack of details has not diminished the seriousness with which campus officials and law enforcement are treating the case.
The ongoing investigation may yield additional charges or evidence as detectives continue their work. Deputy Chief Zelk has indicated that police are still gathering information and processing evidence related to the incident. The case has raised questions about campus safety protocols and the effectiveness of existing security measures designed to protect students. Lake Forest College, a private liberal arts institution with approximately 1,500 students, now faces the challenging task of reassuring its community while respecting the judicial process.
