District Attorney Challenges Woman's Original Statement, Governor Calls for Independent Investigation

The district attorney argues that the woman's original statement did not describe conduct that constituted a criminal offense. However, she is said to have told the police that she had been raped, US media wrote, citing interrogation protocols. The district attorney says he never wants to have seen this statement.

Governor Hochul said trust in the ability of the district attorney was undermined. "The young woman at issue in this case has a right to know that every fact will be examined and justice will be pursued," the governor was quoted as saying. “This measure will ensure that the case is investigated completely and thoroughly, impartially and independently with the necessary care,” said Hochul, referring to the new special investigator.

The New York attorney general will investigate the incident, prosecute suspected crimes and present the evidence to a grand jury. A grand jury is a group of jurors who, after the prosecution presents evidence, decides whether charges can be filed in a case.

Read more about the case here: A young woman is said to have been anesthetized with ketamine and alcohol and raped by several fellow students. At first there were hardly any consequences, but now the victim defends herself. What you need to know about the case at Cornell University.