Chicago Blackhawks player Patrick Kane will not face rape charges, prosecutors announced Thursday.
The announcement comes after a three-month investigation into the NHL player. Last week, Kane’s accuser told prosecutors she no longer wants to pursue a criminal case against him.
The woman accused Kane of sexually assaulting her inside his house after a night at the SkyBar club near his home in Buffalo in August.
“After fully discussing all the circumstances with my attorney, I have decided I do not wish to criminally prosecute the charges which stem out of this investigation,” the accuser stated in a Non-Prosecution Affidavit. “I do so of my own free will and without any promises or compensation.”
According to a statement released by the Eerie County District Attorney, the case is “rife with reasonable doubt,” including inconsistencies between the complainant’s accounts and those of witnesses.
In addition, DNA test results do not support the complainant’s claim of penetration, according to the DA.
The investigation took a bizarre turn last month after an apparent hoax involving a paper bag – touted as the accuser’s rape kit – that was left on the woman’s mother’s doorstep.
The DNA collected from the woman did not belong to Kane, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Despite the investigation, Kane has started the season with the Blackhawks.