In October 2024, Cornell University students received a crime alert about an alleged sexual assault at a fraternity house on campus. Then the public conversation went quiet. Nearly two years later, the woman at the center of it filed a lawsuit. On September 16, 2026, a woman identified in court filings only as Jane Doe sued Cornell University, Inc., Chi Phi Chapter House Association, Chi Phi Fraternity, Inc. et. al and seven of its members in New York Supreme Court. On social media, the men have been dubbed the “Cornell 7.” The lawsuit alleges she was sexually assaulted over several hours at the Chi Phi house on October 19 and 20, 2024, while too incapacitated to consent. All seven men deny wrongdoing according to our own reporting and reporting done by the New York Times. None of them has been criminally charged. In this look into the headlines, Crime Junkie’s breaking news reporter Briana Whitney examines the case, with insight from Jane Doe’s former classmate Cindyrenee Granillo and Cornell philosophy professor Kate Manne. You’ll hear about the Snapchat message at the center of the lawsuit, the lawsuit’s account of Cornell’s Title IX process and the discipline it describes, why the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office initially declined to file charges, text messages reviewed by Crime Junkie between Jane Doe and two of the men, and the “I Am Jane Doe” movement spreading across social media. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten has said that Jane Doe’s 2024 sworn statement described the encounter as consensual. He later said in a written statement that he had not reviewed the Snapchat message or her interview with Cornell police before declining charges. He reopened the case on September 28. On October 1, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor. Attorneys for two of the men have filed a motion seeking her removal, arguing that a social media post she made before her appointment shows bias. This episode also includes Columbia University graduate Golda Dapha describing her own experience with the Title IX process. It covers Cornell’s suspension of all fraternity social events, the Faculty Senate’s upcoming vote on a no confidence proposal,  and the independent review led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates. As of October 21st, 2026 no one has been criminally charged in this case. Attorney General James’ office will decide whether to present the case to a grand jury. This episode discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and online at online.rainn.org. -------- Follow Crime Junkie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimejunkiepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrimeJunkiePodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrimeJunkiePod Crime Junkie is created anAmerican Idol Contestant Arrested For Murder!? The Case Of Ashley Flynn d hosted by Ashley Flowers. About Ashley Flowers Ashley Flowers is the top female podcaster in the U.S. and the host of Crime Junkie, the #1 podcast among women and the #1 true crime podcast globally. As the Founder of Audiochuck, she has built a top-tier podcast production company that has garnered over 2.6 billion downloads, captivating audiences with its gripping storytelling through 10+ chart topping podcasts. Ashley and her team are dedicated to creating responsible true crime content that respects victims and their families. Follow Ashley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ASHLEYFLOWERS/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ash_flowers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyflowerscrimejunkie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyflowers.af/ Check out these other great crime channels: @annieelise She Went to Meet Her Divorce Lawyer… Then Was Stabbed 11 Times | Aliza Sherman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN3sG3h4ev4 @kallmekris The UNFINISHED Case Of Colleen Slemmer & Christa Pike https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhrcGDPsCm0 @KendallRae Blaze Bernstein: The Diary of Hate Behind A Brilliant Teen's Murder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMswne0FGXE @bellafiori The Delphi Murders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM116yb4S-Q