Editor’s note: This article concerns allegations that remain unproven. References to the alleged conduct are based on court filings and statements attributed to the parties or prosecutors. The defendants are entitled to due process.
Digital communications have become a significant point of discussion following the reopening of the Cornell Chi Phi investigation.
The civil complaint filed by a former Cornell student includes an image of a Snapchat group conversation that the plaintiff’s attorney says is relevant to the alleged incident. Prosecutors have publicly discussed whether evidence described in the lawsuit was previously available to their office.
The district attorney has said the office is reassessing the case and intends to present evidence to a grand jury. The plaintiff’s attorney has disputed the prosecutor’s account of when authorities received information connected to the group chat.
Digital evidence can be relevant to a criminal investigation, but its meaning depends on authenticity, timing, context and the surrounding evidence. A message by itself does not establish that a criminal offense occurred or prove the conduct of every person named in a lawsuit.
The accused former fraternity members have disputed the allegations. One defense attorney has said messages attributed to his client were inappropriate but do not establish sexual assault.
Read our earlier report for the timeline of the case.
Sources: Reuters, CBS News, ABC News.
External sources: Reuters | ABC News | CBS News | Wikimedia Commons image source.
External sources: Reuters | ABC News | CBS News | Wikimedia Commons image source.
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