WSU student faces felony rape charges

COLFAX — A Washington State University student is facing multiple felony charges of allegedly raping a female student last spring.

Jayce Carnahan, 21, of Sumner, Wash., appeared on Zoom for his Friday, Aug. 2 arraignment, failing to make his first appearance in person.

According to reports, Carnahan is faced with two counts of 3rd degree rape and one count of felony 2nd degree assault with sexual motivation.

Pullman Police Officer Heidi Lambley responded to a call on Aug. 24, 2023, from the Pullman Hospital regarding a possible rape.

Lambley reported that she met with the victim, two of her friends and an advocate from Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse.

Jane Doe stated that she had been out to several parties with friends drinking, Lambley reported.

According to reports, Jane Doe stated when her friends left the party, Carnahan grabbed her and said sexually suggestive statements before taking her home, strangling her and raping her multiple times.

According to public record, Jane Doe was able to locate Carnahan’s Instagram to identify him.

Pullman Police Sargeant Chris Engle contacted Carnahan through email and met with him and a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner who was able to identify him as the rape suspect.

“Jane Doe left WSU after this incident and has been dealing with a significant amount of trauma related to this incident,” Lambley reported.

Prosecuting Attorney Tessa Scholl told Carnahan that he had to be present to get fingerprinted for the first appearance in court on Friday, Aug. 2, and that if he did not appear in person she would ask for a warrant.

Carnahan told Libey that he had just found out about the court hearing on Aug. 2, when his parents called him from work saying he had a letter that he needed to appear in court.

Scholl said that she believed Carnahan to be a danger and that the victim left WSU and did not feel safe there.

Whitman County Superior Court Judge Gary Libey agreed to reschedule Carnahan’s arraignment during the Aug. 2, Superior Court hearings if Carnahan agreed to appear in person Friday, Aug. 9.

Libey said that if Carnahan did not appear a warrant would be issued for his arrest.

Carnahan faces a 2nd degree assault charge, a maximum of 10 years, with $20,000 in fines; and two counts of 3rd degree rape, no consent, a maximum of 5 years and $10,000 in fines each.

Carnahan’s next court hearing is at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, in Superior Court.