K-State Student Speaks Out on Campus Sexual Assault

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Abby Stark, a 20-year-old sophomore at Kansas State University, is speaking out about her experience navigating a sexual assault trial against a fellow student, Dylan Zeller. Stark claims Zeller sexually assaulted her, and he was initially charged with rape and aggravated sexual battery before reaching a plea deal. Stark says she faced judgment from her peers and believes K-State can do more to prevent sexual assaults and support victims on campus.

Why it matters

Stark's story highlights the challenges many sexual assault survivors face, including victim-blaming attitudes and a lack of institutional support. Her calls for improved prevention efforts and victim resources at K-State reflect broader conversations about campus sexual assault and the need for universities to better address this issue.

The details

Last year, Stark was involved in a trial in which she accused Zeller, a 19-year-old fellow K-State student, of sexually assaulting her. Zeller was initially charged with rape and aggravated sexual battery, but he later reached a plea deal with prosecutors, pleading no contest to two counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. In addition to navigating the court process, Stark said she faced judgment from her peers, who speculated about the integrity of her story based on their perceptions of how she presented herself.

• In 2025, Stark, then a 20-year-old sophomore, was involved in a sexual assault trial against a fellow K-State student.
• Just before jury deliberation, the accused student, Dylan Zeller, reached a plea deal with prosecutors.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Stark hopes her story will inspire K-State to do more to prevent sexual assaults and support victims on campus.