A former Sigma Nu fraternity member pleaded not guilty to assault in the second degree and two counts of rape in the third degree Aug. 7 at the Whitman County Superior Court.
The alleged assault and rape occurred Aug. 23, 2023, at the Sigma Nu fraternity house. According to court documents, Jayce Carnahan, 21, forced a woman, referred to as Jane Doe, to drink alcohol, before forcing her to have sex with him twice.
A rape kit and report by the WSU police linked Carnahan through DNA, according to KREM.
Carnahan remains enrolled as a student at WSU but is no longer a member of Sigma Nu, while the woman is no longer a student.
He failed to appear in a court arraignment July 26, according to court records.
WSU’s Center for Community Standards is responsible for reviewing and managing reports of discrimination and sexual assault on campus. Rape is a category of sexual assault under WSU’s Executive Policy 15, Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment. Complaints made to CCS are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to University Policies and Rules.
A CSS conduct officer declined to comment on the processes and renewal of EP-15 violation and university consequences.
Carnahan is scheduled to face a jury trial Oct. 14.
Susan Sparkman • Aug 23, 2024 at 11:45 am
It is a sad testament to the WSU CSS system that the rapist gets to continue his university life on campus while the victim of the crime had only one choice to avoid “running into” the person who did this to her. Her college dreams were ruined. He still walks the campus looking for his next victim.
Shari Foltz • Sep 3, 2024 at 8:58 am
I completely agree with you. He should be expelled if he claimed “guilty”
There is no reason at all that he should still be on the campus. Shame on the President, Dean of students, Student Life Director, anyone who is the leader of the students should address this right away!