New developments have surfaced in the Cornell University gang rape lawsuit, prompting the Tompkins County district attorney to reopen the criminal investigation. The decision stems from discrepancies between the victim’s original statement and the lawsuit’s allegations.
New Video Evidence
CBS News New York secured exclusive footage from a fraternity’s group Snapchat conversation. It came from the night a former Cornell student claims she was drugged and raped in the Chi Phi fraternity house. A message sent at 1:42 a.m. suggested a woman was available for sex. Later, the response was affirmative.
Attorney Thomas Giuffra represents the woman, referred to as Jane Doe. He stated that none of the fraternity members were arrested, a fact confirmed by CBS News New York.
Defense Attorney Speaks
Attorney Jeremy Saland, representing Scott Kretzschmar, rebutted claims made against his client. Kretzschmar allegedly poured ketamine on Jane Doe’s body and snorted it. However, Saland highlighted a hair follicle test indicating no ketamine in his system.
Saland argued Kretzschmar briefly entered the room, saw no signs of duress, and then left. Jane Doe wasn’t undressed, and she communicated normally, according to him.
Reopening the Case
District Attorney Matthew Van Houten is reopening the case. He noted that Jane Doe’s sworn statement in 2024 didn’t claim non-consensual drug use or gang rape. Instead, it described her actions as voluntary and consensual.
Giuffra contended that Doe was in “self-preservation mode” due to trauma. The initial police report aligns closely with the lawsuit, and Giuffra criticized investigators for not probing the fraternity’s group chat thoroughly.
A senior prosecutor with expertise in sex crimes will present the case to the grand jury. New evidence and testimony from Doe may be included.
Saland expressed confidence that the reopening will yield no charges once again.
Cornell University’s Position
Cornell University supports the district attorney’s decision. It noted that its Title IX process already led to months of investigation and subsequent sanctions.
Andrew Miltenberg, representing another defendant, Gillio Lopes, issued a statement denying the allegations against his client. He emphasized the need for judgment based on evidence rather than allegations.
Miltenberg confirmed that Cornell’s earlier investigation differed from the current public allegations. The legal process will address these matters further.