DA Reopens Cornell Gang Rape Case As New Frat Snapchat Emerges
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said he is reopening the criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity on Sept. 28, 2026.[1]
CBS News New York obtained video of a Chi Phi group Snapchat conversation from the night of the alleged assault.[1] The footage includes a 1:42 a.m. message that suggests a woman was "available for sex" and later texts reading "Shop still open?" and "Yea." CBS News
Van Houten said a senior sex-crimes prosecutor will prepare the matter for a grand jury where the accuser can testify and new evidence can be considered.[1] He noted Jane Doe's November 2024 sworn statement described voluntary, consensual drug use and sex.[1] Defense lawyer Jeremy Saland says his client, Scott Kretzschmar, did not snort ketamine and cited a hair-follicle test he says showed no ketamine.[1] Cornell says its Title IX process already produced sanctions.[1]
The decision to reopen criminal review marks a shift from university discipline to potential criminal charges after the Snapchat material surfaced, CBS reported.[1] The grand-jury step will let prosecutors assess the new digital evidence and allow the accuser to testify under oath.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On September 28, 2026, Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten said he is reopening the criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity.
- CBS News New York obtained video of the fraternity's group Snapchat from the night of the alleged assault, including a 1:42 a.m. message suggesting a woman was available for sex and later "Shop still open?" and "Yea" messages.
- The DA noted Jane Doe’s November 2024 sworn statement described voluntary, consensual drug use and sex, but a senior sex-crimes prosecutor will now prepare the matter for a grand jury where Doe can testify and new evidence can be considered.
- Defense lawyer Jeremy Saland says client Scott Kretzschmar did not snort ketamine and cites a hair-follicle test he says shows no ketamine in his system, while Cornell says its Title IX process already produced sanctions.
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