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911 call: Date-rape drug suspected in Duke rape case

A 911 call released Thursday reveals that a date-rape drug was initially thought to be involved in a suspected rape involving a Duke University fraternity and a student who reported being assaulted after attending a party earlier this month.

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DURHAM, N.C. — A 911 call released Thursday reveals that a date-rape drug was initially thought to be involved in a suspected rape involving a Duke University fraternity and a student who reported being assaulted after attending a party earlier this month.

"She woke up around noon today," the caller says in the Jan. 9 call requesting a Durham police officer come to Duke University Hospital's emergency room. "We don't know when the assault happened, because I am pretty sure, presumably, there were presumably drugs – date-rape drugs or whatever you call – involved. She has no idea."

Police have not commented on the investigation, but search warrants indicate the student attended the off-campus party, at 2505 Chapel Hill Road, on the night of Jan. 8 and that an Alpha Delta Phi member gave her a drink that she thought to be hot chocolate.

She awoke the next afternoon, dressed only in a T-shirt and unable to remember what happened after the drink, according to court documents.

She then went to Duke Hospital, where a medical examination found evidence of sexual activity.

The 911 caller – whose identity was redacted from the recording – tells the emergency dispatcher that the student has bruises and scratches on her legs, arms and back as well as a bruise on her forehead.

Search warrants indicate that police appear to be focusing their investigation on at least one fraternity member with whom the female student was seen leaving the party early on Jan. 9.

Authorities, however, have not made any arrests in the case.

Duke University, which temporarily suspended Alpha Delta Phi, has declined to comment on the investigation, saying only that officials are cooperating with police.

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