STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Attorneys for two Ohio high school football players charged with raping a 16-year-old West Virginia girl have withdrawn motions to dismiss the case after a judge determined the girl and two friends would be compelled to testify.
The trial began Wednesday in juvenile court in eastern Ohio.
The defense sought dismissal after a West Virginia judge initially rejected requests that the girl and two other juveniles from there be called to testify in Ohio. The judge reversed that ruling Tuesday after having a hearing on the matter.
The players’ attorneys say the juveniles’ testimony could bolster the defense.
The case has brought unprecedented attention to Steubenville (STOO’-behn-vihl) through social media and online criticism that others should have been charged.
