Penn State trustees launch investigation into Sandusky sex-abuse case

(CBS/WBBM/AP) MONTOURSVILLE, Pa. - Penn State's board of trustees are launching their own investigation into the child sex-abuse scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky that has rocked the campus to it's core.

Pictures: Child-sex scandal rocks Penn State

According to CBS affiliate WBBM, officials say the board will appoint a special committee to examine the "circumstances" that led to the sex-abuse and possible coverup involving a former assistant to Hall of Fame football coach Joe Paterno.

The furor over the indictments of Sandusky and two university officials is eroding support among board members for Paterno, college football's most successful coach, to stay in his job.

In a statement Tuesday night, the Penn State board said it was "outraged by the horrifying details" of the Sandusky case.

The committee will be appointed at the board's regular meeting Friday and will examine "what failures occurred and who is responsible." In the statement, the board promised those responsible would be held "fully accountable."

"We cannot begin to express the combination of sorrow and anger that we feel about the allegations surrounding Jerry Sandusky," Penn State said in the statement. "We hear those of you who feel betrayed and we want to assure all of you that the Board will take swift, decisive action."

Complete coverage of the Penn State child sex abuse case on Crimesider