The first woman to publicly accuse high-profile twins Oren and Alon Alexander of sexual assault was found dead in Australia late last year, according to new reports.
Kate Whiteman sued the men in March 2024, alleging she was sexually assaulted in the state of New York in 2012. Months later, they were arrested alongside their older brother and charged with sex trafficking offences.
An investigation into the death of Whiteman, 45, by the New South Wales coroner's office has now concluded, finding her death was not suspicious.
The Alexander brothers - who deny wrongdoing and have pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges - are scheduled to face trial at the end of this month.
The coroner's office stated that they could not provide any further information about Whiteman's death, citing respect for bereaved family members.
It remains unclear what role, if any, Whiteman was intended to play in the prosecution's case. The BBC has reached out to prosecutors for comment.
A public relations representative for the Alexander brothers stated they were unaware of Whiteman's death. The decision to release this information publicly on the eve of trial invites obvious questions, they remarked.
Brothers Tal, Oren, and Alon Alexander are known for their work in real estate, having represented high-profile clients and subsequently starting their own firm in New York. Other women have accused them of similar crimes, leading to multiple lawsuits, with at least 17 women alleging sexual assault across various locations, including Manhattan and Miami.
Following Whiteman's allegations, another woman, Rebecca Mandel, also sued Oren and Alon, claiming she was drugged and assaulted at a party in 2010.
As of 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) had charged the Alexander brothers with more than 10 offenses related to sex trafficking, alleging they had participated in this illicit activity since at least 2010.
The trial of the Alexander brothers is set to begin on January 26, amid growing concerns and scrutiny over the implications of Whiteman's death in the unfolding legal drama.
