Authorities confirmed on Monday that the investigation into a 2024 incident at a Cornell University fraternity will be reopened. This official action follows a civil lawsuit filed earlier this month by a woman who alleges she was drugged and subjected to hours of abuse by multiple individuals at a campus fraternity residence. Man who killed Columbia student in random attack sentenced to prison.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced the decision in a written statement, noting that he has initiated the review process. “I have been asked by the community to revisit the decision whether to pursue criminal charges against the seven fraternity members. I have already begun that process, starting with our conversation with Jane Doe and her attorneys,” Van Houten stated.
To ensure an objective and impartial proceeding, the District Attorney plans to present testimony to a grand jury. “Once we determine the appropriate charges, the case will be prosecuted in the most objective and impartial means available – by testimony to the Tompkins County Grand Jury,” he explained. The process will allow the grand jury to evaluate both the testimony of the accuser and any fresh evidence stemming from the civil complaint. Van Houten emphasized that if the grand jury votes to indict any of the individuals named in the allegations, his office is prepared to prosecute those charges to the fullest extent permitted by law.
This case remains an ongoing matter, and officials have indicated that additional information may emerge as the legal process moves forward.
