New Texts and Video Complicate Cornell Gang Rape Case as DA Reopens Probe

Key points

• CBS News exclusively obtained screenshots of texts sent two days after the alleged assault, where a defendant apologized and the victim stated 'none of the sexual stuff was illegal.'
• Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten reopened the case on Monday, citing 'dramatically different' allegations in the new civil lawsuit compared to the victim's 2024 police statement.
• The lawsuit alleges seven Chi Phi members drugged and assaulted the victim, who was 20, at the fraternity house on October 19, 2024, after she consumed alcohol and ketamine.
• Cornell University confirmed it closed the Chi Phi chapter and imposed a range of sanctions, including expulsions and suspensions, but denied that essay-writing was the sole consequence for any accused.
• The victim's attorney, Thomas Giuffra, argued the victim was in denial and traumatized after the incident, while the DA noted her initial statement indicated she was willing to participate in sexual acts with two men before others joined.

Background

This case has been in the news since September 2026, when a civil lawsuit was filed by a former Cornell student, identified as Jane Doe. The lawsuit alleged she was drugged and gang-raped by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in October 2024. Previous coverage highlighted the disparity between the victim's initial 2024 report to police and the new civil complaint, as well as the national backlash against Cornell's handling of the Title IX investigation. The reopening of the criminal probe by the Tompkins County DA is a direct response to the new details revealed in the lawsuit and the subsequent public outcry.

How outlets are covering it

Outlets highlight different aspects of the conflicting evidence. CBS News and The Guardian focus on the newly obtained text messages and Snapchat videos, which show the victim stating the sexual activity was not illegal and the defendant apologizing for being too intoxicated to stop the event. CNN and The Guardian emphasize the DA's defense of his initial decision not to charge, citing the victim's 2024 statement as describing voluntary participation. Cornell University's official statements dispute the lawsuit's claim that only minor sanctions were imposed, insisting that expulsions and suspensions were issued. The victim's attorney, Thomas Giuffra, counters the DA's account by arguing the victim was in denial and traumatized, and that the initial investigation was inadequate. The Ithaca Police Department expressed being 'disturbed' by the allegations but noted the incident was not reported to them in 2024.

Why it matters

The reopening of the criminal investigation and the release of new evidence, including text messages and Snapchat videos, have intensified scrutiny of how universities and law enforcement handle sexual assault cases on campus. The case has drawn national attention and criticism, with calls for accountability and a review of Cornell's response to the alleged gang rape. The conflicting accounts from the victim, the DA, and the university highlight the complexities of investigating sexual assault cases, particularly when there are discrepancies between initial reports and later lawsuits. The outcome of the grand jury review could have significant implications for the accused fraternity members and the university's reputation.

What to watch

The Tompkins County District Attorney's office will present the case to a grand jury to determine whether to seek criminal charges against the seven accused fraternity members. The civil lawsuit will proceed in court, with the victim seeking monetary damages. Cornell University will continue to defend its handling of the Title IX investigation and the sanctions imposed on the accused. The public and media will closely watch the progress of both the criminal and civil proceedings, as well as any further developments in the case.