Investigators have made no measurable progress regarding the alleged sexual assault that occurred around 3 a.m. Jan. 21 near 40th and Pine streets.
Though the assailant is described as a white, college-age male with wavy brown hair, Philadelphia Police have no suspects.
An 18-year-old female student had been walking home alone after a party, and the man allegedly offered to walk her home. The assailant was identified as someone the alleged victim recognized.
Progress usually depends on the willingness of the complainant to move forward with investigations and the availability of productive evidence, said Captain John Darby, commanding officer of the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit.
"We do not have any suspects at this time," Darby said. "We do not have any pending charges at this time. We do not have anyone identified at this point. We do not have any composite sketches."
However, police are still working on the case.
Darby said it is not uncommon for Special Victims investigations to continue for longer periods of time than regular investigations.
"It depends on the availability and capability of the complainant," he said.
Some cases may take years to solve and the process is lengthened if DNA or forensics evidence is involved, Darby said.
"We have cases that have come up as a result of DNA that are years old," he said.
Ellie Di Lapi, director of the Penn Women's Center, said the willingness of a victim to proceed with prosecution may reflect her association with the assailant.
"It depends on who the perpetrator is and what her relationship is with that person," Di Lapi added, noting that 80 to 90 percent of women who report sexual assault say they know their attacker.
Di Lapi said women are less likely to come forward or press charges if they are familiar with their attacker.
Darby, however, said he is confident that investigations will continue productively.
"I feel that eventually the case will be solved," he said. "I have investigators that are continuing to work on this case as additional information or evidence becomes available."
Any Penn student who has information about the case should notify the Philadelphia Special Victims Unit by calling (215) 685-3251.
