Full Breakdown
Former Cornell Fraternity President Dropped from Jane Doe Civil Lawsuit
By Drooid · · How we work
Misidentification Leads to Dismissal
The filing clarified that Petito was not the fraternity president at the time of the alleged assault in October 2024, and therefore should not have been named as a defendant. The suit continues against the Chi Phi organization, seven fraternity members, and Cornell University itself.
Background of the Alleged 2024 Assault
In October 19, 2024, a former Cornell student identified only as “Jane Doe” reported that she was intoxicated, drugged with ketamine, and sexually assaulted by several members of the Chi Phi house after entering to see a friend. The complaint names seven men—Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee (Lee Jun Hyung), Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris, and Scott Kretzschmar—and accuses the fraternity of failing to supervise its members. The plaintiff filed the civil suit in September 2026, asserting that the fraternity and university bore responsibility for the alleged gang rape.
Timeline of Key Developments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 19, 2024 | Alleged assault at the Chi Phi house. |
| November 2024 | Jane Doe files a complaint with Cornell University Police. |
| September 30 2026 | Transcript of the victim’s police interview obtained by CBS News. |
| [date unspecified] | 101-page complaint filed in New York State Supreme Court, naming Petito as fraternity president “at all relevant times.” |
| October 14 2026 | Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff discusses the case with The New York Times; faculty backlash reported. |
| October 20 2026 | Court filing drops Petito after it is shown he was not president during the incident. |
| October 13 2026 | Support rally held at Ithaca Commons for Jane Doe. |
Legal Outcome and Remaining Defendants
The discontinuance applies only to Petito; it does not constitute a judicial finding on the underlying allegations. The fraternity, the seven named men, and Cornell remain defendants. All seven men have denied wrongdoing, asserting that any sexual activity was consensual. No criminal charges have been filed, though the case was reopened by New York Attorney General Letitia James after Governor Kathy Hochul removed the Tompkins County district attorney from the investigation.
Official Statements & Responses
- Attorney Eric Bernstein (Petito’s counsel) said the dismissal was “the right outcome” and that “justice was served.”
- Attorney Thomas Giuffra (Jane Doe’s counsel) signed the notice of discontinuance, confirming the plaintiff’s agreement to hold Petito harmless.
- Attorney General Letitia James announced her office will continue the independent investigation, emphasizing impartiality.
- Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged a thorough, unbiased review of the matter.
- Assemblyman Charles Lavine expressed deep concern and urged accountability for any responsible parties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Without commenting on the veracity of the allegations in the case, they had the wrong guy.” — Eric Bernstein
- “The young woman at the center of this case deserves to know that every fact will be examined and justice pursued,” — Gov. Kathy Hochul
- “Particularly the vile attempts by so many to blame the victim. The voices of crime victims must be listened to. Those responsible must be prosecuted and held accountable.” — Assemblyman Charles Lavine
What’s Next
The civil litigation against the fraternity, the seven men, and Cornell proceeds while Attorney General James’ office conducts a separate criminal investigation. State lawmakers are reviewing proposals to amend sexual-assault laws, and Cornell has suspended fraternity social events through the end of the 2026-27 academic year pending further review.