Cornell Student’s Lawyer Calls Frat Messages ‘Critical Piece of Evidence.’ DA Says He Didn’t See It Until Lawsuit

**Reopened Case of Alleged Rape at Cornell University Amid New Evidence**

Cornell University has once again found itself at the centre of a legal storm after prosecutors announced they would be reopening an investigation into an alleged rape case involving former fraternity members. This development follows a civil complaint filed by a former student identified as Jane Doe, who claims she was drugged and assaulted in October 2024.

The complaint, which emerged recently, alleges that two members of the Chi Phi fraternity had drugged her before sending a message in a Snapchat group chat that reportedly boasted about “free p—-” available in the fraternity house. This shocking revelation has propelled a case that has been dormant for two years back into the public eye.

Initial investigations into the incident did not result in any charges. However, following Doe’s lawsuit, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced that his office is preparing to present the case to a grand jury, marking a significant shift in the proceedings. In a statement on September 28, Van Houten acknowledged the complexities surrounding cases of sexual assault and the often lengthy healing process that victims endure.

He commented on the original sworn statement made by Doe, which did not include allegations of being drugged or of being forced into sexual activity—elements that are now critical to her lawsuit. “I recognise the reality that it can take years of therapy and healing for victims to fully process and understand what happened to them,” Van Houten remarked. “Seeking justice sometimes requires us to reconsider or reopen cases when we are provided with additional evidence.”

Crucially, the civil complaint includes a screenshot of the alleged Snapchat messages, which serves as a pivotal part of the new evidence being considered. Interestingly, Van Houten’s office indicated that they were not made aware of this screenshot during the initial investigation in 2024. While the messages’ content was described as “vulgar and disgusting,” the D.A. pointed out that the central legal question remained whether the plaintiff had consented, as defined by New York State law.

Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, has asserted that the Cornell University Police were in possession of the group chat’s messages back in 2024, labelling them as critical evidence that had not been fully explored at the time.

The civil lawsuit has also included additional allegations that some of the fraternity members were provided an opportunity to mitigate their actions by writing essays, an assertion Cornell University has firmly denied. The university stated that it conducted a “thorough” investigation, which resulted in a range of sanctions, including temporary suspensions and expulsions for some accused students.

In response to claims of leniency, a university spokesperson clarified: “None of the individuals charged were offered the opportunity to write essays as a sole consequence of their involvement.”

This case has reignited discussions around sexual assault investigations on campus and the processes that universities follow in handling allegations. The reopening of the case highlights the importance of pursuing justice and reconsidering evidence, especially in instances where victims may take time to fully understand their experiences.

The legal landscape surrounding such cases often remains complicated, reflecting broader societal issues regarding consent, accountability, and support for survivors of sexual assault. As the investigation unfolds and the case is presented to a grand jury, the spotlight will remain on Cornell University, the accused fraternity members, and the significant implications of any findings.

For individuals who have experienced sexual assault or know someone who has, resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and online support at rainn.org are available for assistance.