Bonus Episode: Inside the Cornell Chi Phi Case

This week, we’re bringing you a bonus episode because this case is simply too big—and there are too many unanswered questions—to fit into Court Report. Seven men who were Cornell students and members of the Chi Phi fraternity at the time are accused in a civil lawsuit of sexually assaulting a fellow student after a night involving alcohol and ketamine. Disturbing Snapchat messages circulated while she was allegedly inside the fraternity house. She later went to police, but no criminal charges were filed. Now, nearly two years later, a lawsuit and new reporting from CBS News are raising serious questions about what Jane Doe told investigators, what was ultimately documented, and what information prosecutors actually received when they decided not to pursue charges. In this episode, we go back to the beginning: what Jane says happened that night, what she told police afterward, the evidence that has since emerged, why the original investigation ended without charges, and why the case is now being examined again. This episode discusses allegations of sexual assault and drug use and may not be appropriate for all listeners. The allegations discussed in this episode have not been proven in court. The individuals named in the civil lawsuit are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence in any criminal proceeding.