Cornell 'gang rape' case: Hochul, Letitia James give update after AG appointed special prosecutor - ABC7 Eyewitness News
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James announced the appointment of a special prosecutor for a Cornell 'gang rape' case, with James declaring it an active criminal investigation. Hochul strongly criticized Cornell University Police and the Tompkins County District Attorney for allegedly failing the accuser by mishandling information and not conducting a proper investigation. Hochul also advocated for changes to state law concerning voluntary intoxication in sexual assault cases.
Why it matters
This case highlights potential systemic failures in how sexual assault allegations are investigated and prosecuted, raising questions about police and prosecutorial accountability. The governor's intervention and call for legal reform could lead to significant changes in how such cases are handled in New York, potentially impacting victim support and justice system integrity.
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Cornell rape accuser was "failed" by people obligated to protect her, including police and the prosecutor, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said at a news conference on Friday.
A visibly outraged Hochul blasted Cornell University Police, the Tompkins County district attorney and the state's rape laws before introducing Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the controversial case
James told a packed news conference at the governor's office that this is now "an active criminal investigation." She pledged a full and fair investigation.
"Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly, that they will be seen and heard, that is the promise of our justice system," James said.
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13 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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