Woman at centre of Cornell rape inquiry was 'failed' by officials, says New York governor
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James to lead an investigation into a 2024 Cornell University rape case, citing a loss of faith in local prosecutors. The governor criticized the initial handling of the case and pledged to close legal loopholes regarding voluntary intoxication and consent.
Why it matters
The case raises significant questions about institutional accountability in sexual assault investigations and the legal standards for consent in cases involving substance use.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has criticised attempts to investigate Jane Doe's case so far
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has said the woman at the centre of the Cornell University rape case was "failed" at "every turn".
The woman, known as Jane Doe in legal documents, alleges she was drugged and raped by several men at a fraternity house in 2024.
The case was investigated at the time but no charges were laid. It recently reopened after the woman filed a civil lawsuit last month that thrust the allegations into the national spotlight.
At a news conference on Friday, Hochul said she was "deeply disturbed" by how the investigation was handled. She has now appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James to lead it.
This appointment was made after Hochul said she "lost faith" in the local prosecutor's ability to oversee the investigation.
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10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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