ABC News reviewed internal Cornell University records, including text messages, phone calls and a civil‑suit filing, that detail how members of the Chi Phi fraternity responded after a student, identified as Jane Doe, reported a sexual assault that she later described as a gang rape.
Allegations and initial report
Doe, then a junior at Cornell, told police on Nov. 8, 2024 that she had been raped by eight to ten men at the Chi Phi house on Oct. 19, 2024. The university’s police report recorded her statement that the incident involved multiple men, alcohol and drugs, and that she was not a willing participant.
Fraternity communications
Texts obtained by ABC News show Chi Phi members discussing how to “keep her on her good side” and “not upset about the situation.” One brother wrote, “F—‑, should I call [Jane]?” while the chapter president replied, “Wait a bit for me and [Executive Board] to figure out what we’re doing because there are a couple of other things going on.” The messages indicate an effort to manage the student’s perception rather than address the alleged crime.
In a separate group chat, brothers tried to determine the date of the alleged incident, comparing themed parties held that month. One brother asked, “What party did we have on the 19th?” and another responded, “The 25th was the risky business party,” showing confusion about the timeline.
Student’s attempts to clarify
Doe recorded phone calls with Matthew Ingalls, the student who invited her to the fraternity house. In one call she said, “The only way for me to heal is to know what happened,” and described the event as a gang rape. Ingalls responded, “It’s possible that both of us like remember this and it’s not true,” and later suggested that Doe had been intoxicated and that she might have assaulted him, a claim that contradicts her statement to police.
University response
Cornell suspended the Chi Phi chapter on the day Doe filed her police report. An internal investigation ran from November 2024 through May 2025, resulting in two students being expelled and several others suspended. The university also hired an outside law firm to review its handling of the case.
Legal developments
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten initially said Doe’s statement suggested consensual sex and drug use. New York Governor Kathy Hochul later removed the local DA from the case and appointed State Attorney General Letitia James to oversee the criminal investigation.
Context
The case has drawn national attention to how colleges address sexual violence and consent, especially when alcohol and drugs are involved. It also raises questions about fraternity culture and the responsibilities of student organizations in handling such allegations.
What’s next
State Attorney General James’ office is expected to issue further statements as the criminal investigation proceeds. Cornell’s external review will likely produce recommendations for policy changes regarding fraternity oversight and campus sexual‑assault procedures.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
