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 a 16-year-old defendant 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.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Editors’ Note: The Associated Press named the minors charged due to the fact they have been identified in other news coverage and their names were used in open court. FoxNews.com will not name the defendants.
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