Cornell’s Jane Doe said she felt like a ‘sex doll’ after alleged rape, newly reviewed texts show

Texts Add Detail to Cornell Sexual Assault Investigation

Tyunews.com – Cornell s Jane Doe said she felt “like a sex doll/worker” after an alleged 2024 group sexual assault at Cornell University, according to newly reviewed confidential investigative materials. The records include text messages, video from the fraternity house and fraternity group-chat messages from the night in question.

The student, identified as Jane Doe, alleged that multiple men raped her at the Chi Phi fraternity house. The case has received renewed attention after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to review the matter.

Messages Describe Changing Recollections of the Night

Days after the alleged assault, one fraternity member sent Jane Doe an apology, writing that he was sorry for how the night unfolded. Cornell s Jane Doe said at that point that she did not believe the sexual contact had been illegal and that she had enjoyed being with him.

I just wanted to apologize for how things went down the other night.

Nearly two weeks later, Jane Doe sent a different account of what she remembered. She wrote that “90% of what happened that night was not consensual” and said, “All i remember after that was you giving me ket[amine].” Cornell s Jane Doe said the experience made her feel “like a sex doll/worker.”

Days later, she contacted campus police. The initial police record summarized her report as an allegation that she had recently been raped by eight to 10 men at the Chi Phi fraternity house.

Videos and Group Chats Are Part of the Record

Investigative video shows a bedroom in the fraternity house where Jane Doe said the assault occurred. After Cornell suspended the Chi Phi chapter, the room appeared cluttered with garbage, food remnants and discarded furniture.

Items visible in the room included a sorority-class composite photograph, a fentanyl test, beer cans and liquor bottles. The images show the location central to the allegations, but they do not independently determine what occurred there.

An extended Snapchat group chat involving more than 50 fraternity brothers is also included in the materials. The fraternity member who invited Jane Doe to the house shared an image that appeared to show her in the bedroom. Another participant asked whether those present were naked, and a response urged others to come in.

Let’s be clear that 90% of what happened that night was not consensual.

State Review Examines Earlier Decisions

Hochul issued an executive order naming James as special prosecutor after concerns about the Cornell Police Department investigation and the Tompkins County District Attorney’s decision not to prosecute. Cornell s Jane Doe said details in the newly reviewed materials added to questions surrounding the response to her report.

The governor said newly released information raised serious questions about both the campus police investigation and the decision not to prosecute an alleged sexual assault on Cornell’s campus. The special prosecutor’s review does not establish guilt or guarantee that charges will be filed; it allows an independent assessment of evidence, investigative steps and earlier charging decisions.

The case also highlights the separate roles of universities and criminal justice agencies. A university may impose discipline on a student organization, restrict a fraternity chapter and offer support services, while criminal investigators and prosecutors apply different legal standards when evaluating potential charges.

FAQ: Cornell and Ithaca Case Developments

What is the special prosecutor reviewing?

The special prosecutor can review the available evidence, the Cornell Police Department’s investigation and the Tompkins County District Attorney’s earlier decision not to prosecute the alleged assault.

Does the appointment mean anyone has been found guilty?

No. The appointment authorizes an independent review and does not determine guilt, innocence or whether criminal charges will be brought.

Why are text messages and group chats important?

Digital records may help investigators establish timelines, identify potential witnesses and compare accounts. Their meaning and reliability must still be evaluated alongside all other evidence.