Cornell Student’s 2024 Police Statement Reveals New Details in Alleged Rape Case

New details emerge from a Cornell student's 2024 police statement about the night of her alleged rape, sparking renewed scrutiny.

Editorial Desk

October 1, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Ithaca, United States — A Cornell University student provided a detailed sworn statement to campus police in November 2024, offering new insight into the night of her alleged sexual assault. The report, released as part of a broader legal battle, includes accounts of intoxication, memory gaps, and feelings of helplessness.

The statement, given 26 days after the incident on October 19-20, described how the student initially agreed to a sexual encounter with two men but later felt increasingly incapacitated. She recounted being encouraged to take drugs and struggling to recall parts of the evening. At one point, she said she was “extremely uncomfortable” and unable to reach her phone or afford an Uber to leave the situation.

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The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, has reignited national debate over how the university and local prosecutors handled the case. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten defended his initial decision not to pursue criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence under New York law. However, the student’s account has prompted calls for a fresh review of the case, with Governor Kathy Hochul urging Cornell to bring in outside counsel for an independent investigation.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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