The 2024 alleged rape case at Cornell University is being reopened following a lawsuit filed by a woman who claimed she was drugged and raped by multiple individuals at a fraternity house. The investigation was initially closed after no arrests were made despite expulsions following an initial probe.
Reopening the Investigation
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced the decision to reevaluate whether to pursue criminal charges against the accused fraternity members. The Grand Jury will consider new evidence presented in the civil complaint filed by the woman, referred to as Jane Doe.
“I have been asked by the community to revisit the decision whether to pursue charges,” Van Houten stated. “Once we determine the appropriate charges, the case will be prosecuted objectively.”
Details of the Allegations
According to the lawsuit, Doe claimed she was drugged and raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house. Doe was allegedly pressured into consuming ketamine during the visit. A message in the fraternity’s group chat allegedly led to more men arriving, resulting in hours of assault. Doe reported the incident to the university police approximately three weeks later.
DA Challenges Lawsuit Allegations
Van Houten challenged the lawsuit’s allegations, noting discrepancies between Doe’s original statement and the new claims. “Jane Doe’s sworn statement did not allege involuntary drugging or rape,” he stated. Van Houten emphasized the original decision not to prosecute was due to the facts presented, not the potential difficulty of proving them.
Jane Doe’s Attorney Responds
Attorney Thomas Giuffra expressed concerns over the handling of the original investigation, questioning the thoroughness given Doe’s limited communication with authorities. Giuffra reiterated support for efforts to prosecute those involved.
Cornell University and Chi Phi’s Responses
Cornell University expressed support for the DA’s decision to reopen the case. The university conducted a Title IX investigation resulting in expulsions and the closure of the Chi Phi chapter. “Any notion of minimal consequences is false,” Cornell stated.
Chi Phi’s national headquarters expressed concern over the allegations, stressing their commitment to condemning sexual violence and emphasizing their values of integrity and respect.