COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Attorneys for a high school football player facing rape accusations in Ohio are asking a judge to dismiss the case against him because they say the "unavailability of material witnesses" denies him his right to a fair trial.
A West Virginia judge last week rejected requests three juveniles be called to testify at the eastern Ohio trial of two high school football players charged with raping a 16-year-old girl. The girl is from West Virginia.
The juveniles' testimony was expected to bolster the players' defense against the charges.
Attorneys representing defendant Trent Mays on Monday filed a motion to dismiss, which was obtained by The Associated Press.
The two players go on trial Wednesday in Jefferson County juvenile court in Steubenville. Their attorneys have denied the charges.
