An 2024 alleged gang rape at the prestigious Cornell University has gained national attention after the accuser, identified only as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit. A special prosecutor has been appointed to handle the case.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the accuser of the six Cornell University students of gang rape was "failed" by those whose obligation was protecting her.
This includes both campus police and the county prosecutor, Hochul said.
At a press conference on Friday, she also announced the appointment of Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to take over the investigation due to the fact she had lost faith in the local district attorney's ability to handle the case.
This came after she learned the "troubling" details of the authorities' handling of the accuser's case so far.
"In what world does the district attorney not even interview her, or anyone else involved, or even request the full transcript?" Hochul asked.
"This young woman had already endured something that is utterly unspeakable. And then at every turn, she was failed by people and institutions with an obligation to protect her."Cornell Univesity defended its handling of the caseImage: Heather Ainsworth/AP Photo/picture alliance
According to Hochul, the woman, identified only by the placeholder name Jane Doe, told police "exactly what happened to her," including her firm belief that she had been raped.
"Yet, shockingly, those words never made it into the account that the Cornell police sent to prosecutors."Investigation to take time
Attorney General Letitia James said she did not know how long her investigation might take.
"I know that you want answers. I do too. A comprehensive investigation of this nature takes time, but my office is committed to seeing it through," James said, adding that evidence gathering and interviews will be carried out.
The original investigation into the case was closed without any charges in 2024. Jane Doe's lawsuit in 2026 gained national attentionImage: Melissa Bender/NurPhoto/picture alliance
According to Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, who was responsible for the decision, the woman's sworn statement did not include her allegation of being drugged against her will without any ability to consent and forced into sex.
Van Houten reopened the investigation after the accuser filed a new lawsuit in September, 2026, against seven fraternity members, as well as against Cornell.
The lawsuit has since made national headlines and sparked protests at Cornell and across the United States. Sanctions have been taken against the Chi Phi fraternity, involved in the caseImage: Heather Ainsworth/AP Photo/picture alliance
Cornell said it launched a comprehensive investigation and barred the Chi Phi fraternity involved in the allegations, while also imposing a range of disciplinary measures.
The school also said it supports James' appointment and is "committed to an independent external review of all aspects" of its handling of the case.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
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