The high-profile case involving James Thomas Kelley—a 22-year-old college football player who was convicted in December 2024 of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl aboard a Carnival Cruise ship—has been reopened following the emergence of new evidence that could challenge the original narrative.
The incident took place in early 2023 while the girl was on a holiday cruise with her family. Prosecutors initially argued that Kelley led the intoxicated teenager to his cabin under false pretenses and forcibly raped her. He was found guilty and faced a potential life sentence.
However, recent developments, including newly surfaced surveillance footage and testimony previously unavailable during the trial, have prompted legal authorities to reexamine the circumstances surrounding the event. The defense claims that this evidence may offer a different perspective on the interactions between Kelley and the alleged victim, raising questions about consent and the sequence of events.
While the case remains under review, both Carnival Cruise Line and law enforcement officials have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating fully with the renewed investigation.
