OHIO RAPE TRIAL Judge Weighs Whether To Keep Football Players' Rape Trial Open
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Jan. 25, 2013 3:06 PM EST
Updated: Jan. 25, 2013 3:14 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Steubenville, Jefferson County
, Ohio
An attorney for one of two Ohio high school football players charged with raping a 16-year-old girl has withdrawn his motion to close the trial.
The attorney didn't explain why Friday during a hearing in Steubenville. He previously raised concerns that an open trial could lead to potential witnesses on the defendant's behalf being intimidated.
The move means there's currently no motion to close the trial, though the girl's attorney said he'd be willing to make a similar motion.
Meanwhile, attorneys for The Associated Press and other media presented arguments supporting an open trial to ensure public confidence in the proceedings.
The judge said he'd consider their statements but wouldn't rule Friday.
The athletes are accused of attacking the West Virginia girl after an alcohol-fueled party in August.
Allegheny County seeks gas drilling bids June 18, 2013 7:26 PM EDT Allegheny County officials say they plan to request bids for natural gas drilling under a public park.
18 mayors: Limit use of food stamps to buy soda June 18, 2013 6:33 PM EDT The mayor of Louisville, Ky., is among those in 18 cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, who are reviving a push against letting government food vouchers be used to buy soda and other sugary drinks.
Crews search for body of teen in Ohio canal June 19, 2013 12:48 AM EDT Emergency crews are searching for the body of a 15-year-old boy who went missing while swimming in a southwest Ohio canal.
June 13, 2013 Rio Bravo-South Charleston; Pizza Hut-Kanawha City; Fifth Quarter makes the list. Find out who has violations and who gets the Clean Kitchen Award!
Associated Press
