Blackhawks star Patrick Kane won't face charges after New York rape investigation

CHICAGO -- The rape case in New York against Chicago hockey star Patrick Kane has been dismissed, the Erie County, N.Y., district attorney said Thursday.

On Aug. 6, a 21-year-old woman brought rape allegations against the 26-year-old Chicago Blackhawks star. She said Kane sexually assaulted her in his bed at his home in Hamburg, N.Y., after a night out at the bars.

The investigation, conducted by Hamburg police and the Erie County District Attorney's Office, showed there were inconsistencies between the woman's version of events and that of other witnesses, District Attorney Frank Sedita said in a statement Thursday. Sedita said the DNA results "lend no corroboration whatsoever to the complainant's claim of penetration" and the physical evidence and forensic evidence contradicted her claim that the assault occurred in his bed.

"The totality of credible evidence - the proof - does not sufficiently substantiate the complainant's allegation that she was raped by Patrick Kane and this so-called 'case' is rife with reasonable doubt," the statement said.

The woman decided not to move forward with criminal prosecution, Sedita said. The Buffalo News reported earlier this week that the stress of the investigation had taken its toll on her and her family.

Sedita said she recently signed a non-prosecution affidavit, which said in part:

"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. I do so of my own free will and without any promises or compensation."

At a press conference in September, the first time Kane spoke publicly after the allegations came to light, Kane maintained he had done nothing wrong.

"I am confident that once all the facts are brought to light, I will be absolved of having done nothing wrong," Kane said. "This has been an incredibly difficult time for many people. I cannot apologize enough for the distraction this has caused my family, my teammates, this incredible organization - and of course, our fans."

Sedita said more details about the case will be shared only confidentially with lawyers for Kane and the complainant as well as Hamburg police.