Two New Rochelle men have been indicted in connection with what prosecutors describe as a violent sexual assault and robbery just steps from New Rochelle High School on Oct. 10, 2025. The grand jury charged 20-year-old Destin Medina and 22-year-old Lonell Alexander after a woman reported that she was raped, then taken to a second nearby spot where she was beaten and robbed. Both men have pleaded not guilty, are currently out on bail, and are subject to temporary orders of protection issued by the judge on behalf of the victim.
Charges, arraignments and court dates
According to Daily Voice, Medina is facing a raft of charges that include first-degree rape, two counts of second-degree robbery, second-degree assault, third-degree rape and misdemeanor forcible touching. Alexander is charged with two counts of second-degree robbery and second-degree assault. Both defendants entered not guilty pleas at their recent arraignments. The judge set Medina’s next court appearance for July 14 and Alexander’s for July 16. The New Rochelle Police Department led the investigation, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.
DA's statement and court documents
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace publicly commended the victim’s “bravery and composure” and said her office will “do everything in my power to hold these defendants accountable,” according to Patch. A felony complaint filed with the indictment states that Medina raped the woman near the high school on Oct. 10, 2025, then persuaded her to go to another nearby location, where Medina and two other individuals allegedly punched and kicked her and stole her purse. The documents say the woman managed to escape and received help from a passerby.
Local context and next steps
The indictments, which arrive months after the October attack, have refocused community attention on safety in the area surrounding the campus. New Rochelle High School is a large, heavily trafficked school with more than 3,000 students, according to the school’s website. The criminal case is set to move forward in Westchester County Court in White Plains, where the summer return dates for both defendants have been scheduled.
As with any indictment, the charges are allegations at this stage, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in court. The District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, and authorities are asking that anyone with additional information contact the New Rochelle Police Department or the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
