Brief
Cornell DA skipped police witness statements in gang‑rape case
District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said the decision rested on Jane Doe’s six‑page statement, despite Cornell police collecting further witness interviews and tips.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Cornell University police interviewed witnesses and received anonymous tips about an alleged gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024, but Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten did not review that material before deciding not to bring charges, NBC News reported.
What happened
Jane Doe, a 20‑year‑old student, reported the assault to campus police on Nov. 8, 2024. Police documented witness interviews and other evidence in the weeks that followed. On Nov. 25, 2024, a police investigator informed Van Houten’s office of those interviews. Van Houten’s staff replied that they had read Doe’s six‑page statement and agreed no criminal charges were warranted.
What the reports add
According to NBC News, the district attorney’s office never examined the additional witness statements or the anonymous tips, stating there was “nothing to review.” The outlet also notes that the interviews included fraternity members who declined to speak on attorney advice. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the appointment of Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to reassess the case.
What was said
Van Houten told NBC News that Doe’s statement did not allege criminal conduct and that the police interviews “were each of the frat members declining to speak on the advice of their attorney.” Governor Hochul questioned the DA’s approach, asking, “In what world does the district attorney not even interview her or anyone else involved, or even request the full transcript of the victim’s interview?”
How it came about
The investigation follows a lawsuit filed by Doe last month against Cornell and seven Chi Phi brothers, alleging assault while she was under the influence of ketamine, alcohol and marijuana. Earlier Felo News coverage highlighted campus protests and a hearing demanding accountability, as well as a prior interview with Van Houten by Jake Tapper.
Key facts
- Cornell police collected witness interviews and anonymous tips about the alleged gang rape. (nbcnews.com)
- District Attorney Matthew Van Houten based his decision not to charge on the victim’s initial six‑page statement. (nbcnews.com)
- Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor. (nbcnews.com)
Sources
- [1] nbcnews.com — originally reported as “DA did not review witness statements and other evidence Cornell police collected in alleged gang rape of student”
