Exclusive video obtained of Cornell frat's text chain in alleged gang rape investigation
Updated on: September 28, 2026 / 11:38 PM EDT / CBS New York
TL;DR
- The Tompkins County district attorney has reopened a criminal case regarding an alleged gang rape at Cornell University.
- The DA stated the victim's original statement described consensual drug use and sexual conduct, not drugging against her will or gang rape.
- Exclusive video of a fraternity's Snapchat group chat from the night of the alleged incident has been obtained.
- Messages in the chat suggest a woman was available for sex and that the "shop" was still open.
- The victim's attorney claims the original police report aligns with the lawsuit and that investigators failed to follow up on evidence, including the group chat.
- Attorneys for the accused deny the allegations, with one citing a hair follicle test that reportedly showed no ketamine in his client's system.
- Cornell University supports the DA's decision and notes its own Title IX process resulted in sanctions.
- A senior prosecutor is preparing the case for the grand jury, and new evidence can be considered.