Cornell University fraternity gang rape investigation reopened

Authorities in New York have reopened a criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape involving seven members of a fraternity at Cornell University. The incident, which took place in October 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity house, involves a female student who was 20 years old at the time. According to a lawsuit filed by the victim, known as Jane Doe, she was drugged with a substance she believed was ketamine and subjected to hours of sexual assault by multiple individuals after members of the fraternity allegedly shared messages on Snapchat and other platforms inviting others to join, including messages describing the victim as 'available' and 'free pussy upstairs'.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced that he has initiated a review of the decision not to prosecute the seven suspects. This decision follows public outcry and a formal lawsuit filed by the victim earlier this month. The prosecutor has begun meeting with the victim and her legal counsel to evaluate the evidence. If sufficient grounds for prosecution are found, the case will be presented to a grand jury in Tompkins County. The university has faced intense scrutiny regarding the safety and conduct of its Greek life organizations following these disturbing allegations.