Cornell Case Reopened

Cornell Frat Member Accused of Witness Tampering in Reopened Gang Rape Case

One of the 7 Cornell frat brothers accused of gang raping a fellow student allegedly called a sorority member to instruct her not to discuss anything she "thinks" may have happened. The sorority girl, who was at Chi Phi the night of the alleged gang rape, told investigators that one of the accused rang her the next day to make sure a friend of hers didn't "say anything that she thinks might've happened." She passed this message along, which she and her roommate found concerning. The accused changed his mind a month later, claiming the conversation was about "not spreading any rumors." Tompkins D.A. Matt Van Houten initially declined to pursue charges but reopened the case after receiving the victim's sworn statement and the Snapchat group chat messages. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James' office to handle the case.

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