Cornell Case: Letitia James Named Special Prosecutor, No One Has Been Charged, Christa Pike Is Awake and Speaking, Paitin Fields Trial

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James special prosecutor on Oct. 1 in the Cornell University case, saying she had lost faith in Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten's handling of it. A former student identified in court papers as Jane Doe has filed a civil suit against seven then-members of Chi Phi, the university, the national fraternity and others, alleging she was pressured into taking ketamine and assaulted over several hours in October 2024. All seven deny wrongdoing; no one has been charged with a crime. Van Houten, who declined to bring charges in 2024 based on a six-page sworn statement, has said he never received the full transcript of her interview with campus police, and has reopened the case; he says he supports the special prosecutor's appointment. Also: Christa Gail Pike is conscious and speaking a week after Tennessee's failed execution, her attorneys say, though she remains in critical care and shackled to her bed. And in Pender County, North Carolina, David Prevatte, 27, is on trial in the 2017 death of five-year-old Paitin Fields; he has pleaded not guilty. Garret Fisher reports. Join our new FB groups page here. Take the poll! Join the Daily Crime & Justice community on social media! We're building a passionate group of true crime enthusiasts who love diving deep into the most shocking cases in America. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram by searching "Daily Crime & Justice" on either platform.  You'll get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, breaking news updates on cases we're covering, and early alerts when new episodes drop. Our social media is where Garret Fisher's hottest takes live, including reactions that don't make it into the show. But more importantly, it's where YOU come in. Share your theories, debate the verdicts, and connect with fellow listeners who are just as obsessed with justice as you are. Did the jury get it right? What questions do you still have? Your comments and insights often shape future episodes. We cover the trials that matter, but our community makes the conversation unforgettable. Come for Garret's signature cynical commentary, stay for the incredible discussions with thousands of true crime fans who get it.