Connor Howell is the rapist of Heather Manning while she was dating Brian Mackey. Howell raped her while she was passed out drunk, and the present frat boys slut-shamed and threw drinks at her by the time she came to and ran off.
Howell was arrested when Manning made several accusations under the presumption she was gang-raped while she was out of it, which was publicized throughout news stations across the country. However, it was revealed professor Jessica Dillon and reporter Skip Peterson made Manning exaggerate her account to start a nationwide movement, which only self-destructed in the end. When discrepancies were revealed, Manning came forward with the truth, leading to Howell and the actually wrongfully accused all being released and never charged, which broke Manning's spirits. (SVU: "Devastating Story")