Ohio judge weighs whether to keep rape trial open

Posted: Updated:

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (AP) - An attorney for 1 of 2 Ohio high school football players charged with raping a 16-year-old girl has withdrawn his motion to close the trial.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.

RegionalMore>>
Medical marijuana issue clears Ohio ballot board
Medical marijuana issue clears Ohio ballot board
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 9:57 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:57:54 GMT
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A proposed constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana and certain uses of hemp has cleared Ohio's ballot board. The panel's approval Thursday sends the issue into itsMore >>
A proposed constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana and certain uses of hemp has cleared Ohio's ballot board.More >>
Ohio election review finds no voter fraud epidemic
Ohio election review finds no voter fraud epidemic
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 4:02 PM EDT2013-05-23 20:02:17 GMT
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's elections chief said Thursday a first-of-its-kind statewide review found instances of voter fraud in the battleground state during last year's presidential election but notMore >>
Ohio's elections chief said Thursday a first-of-its-kind statewide review found instances of voter fraud in the battleground state during last year's presidential election but not rampant abuses.More >>
100 Harpists gather in Sauder Village
100 Harpists gather in Sauder Village
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 2:33 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:33:40 GMT
If you're in Archbold and you hear the sound of 100 harps, you're not just hearing things. The 6th annual Harp Gathering is underway May 16-19th.Denise Grupp-Verbon co-founded the festival with her husband.More >>
If you're in Archbold and you hear the sound of 100 harps, you're not just hearing things. The 6th annual Harp Gathering is underway May 16-19th.Denise Grupp-Verbon co-founded the festival with her husband.More >>
The Great Lakes could be in for a stormy summer
The Great Lakes could be in for a stormy summer
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:46:40 GMT
The month of May will likely end up in the top 10 list for the driest May's on record. Despite the dry month it does not look like we are headed for a repeat performance of last year's drought and extremeMore >>
The summer forecast calls for above average rainfall for most of the Great Lakes region with near average temperatures.More >>
Toledo Republicans may back Independent Mike Bell
Toledo Republicans may back Independent Mike Bell
Updated: Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:11:42 GMT
The Toledo mayor's race may be a crowded affair but so far no viable Republicans. All seven announced candidates have to first file petitions and be certified by the Lucas County Board of Elections.More >>
Toledo Mayor Mike Bell has the financial backing of Republicans and the Independent could get the party's endorsement.More >>

Top StoriesMore>>
Perrysburg Twp. packaging plant closing this summer; 126 employees affected
Perrysburg Twp. packaging plant closing this summer; 126 employees affected
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:03:13 GMT
A Perrysburg Township packaging plant is closing this summer, affecting 126 employees at the location. We're told an agreement allowing Diamond Crystal Brands to sell Splenda sweetener will expire atMore >>
A Perrysburg Township packaging plant is closing this summer, affecting 126 employees at the location.More >>
Road to Recovery Phone Bank
Road to Recovery Phone Bank
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 11:34 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:34:48 GMT
13abc and the Red Cross are teaming up for our Road to Recovery Phone Bank to provide information about helping the victims of the Oklahoma tornado and other disasters. Volunteers will be at the stationMore >>
13abc and Red Cross teamed up for our Road to Recovery Phone Bank Thursday to provide information about helping the victims of the Oklahoma tornado and other disasters.More >>
Bridge collapses in NW Wash., sending people into water
Bridge collapses in NW Wash., sending people into water
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 11:10 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:10:04 GMT
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) - The Washington State Patrol says the Interstate 5 bridge over the Skagit River at Mount Vernon has collapsed, dumping vehicles and people into the water. Trooper Mark FrancisMore >>
The Interstate 5 bridge over the Skagit River at Mount Vernon collapsed Thursday evening, dumping vehicles and people into the water, the Washington State Patrol said.More >>
NW population declining, but grads plan to return
NW population declining, but grads plan to return
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 11:09 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:09:10 GMT
The U.S. Census Bureau released new population numbers. Most Lucas County communities, including Toledo, lost residents.More >>
The U.S. Census Bureau released new population numbers, and most Lucas County communities, including Toledo, lost residents.
More >>
Medical marijuana issue clears Ohio ballot board
Medical marijuana issue clears Ohio ballot board
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 9:57 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:57:54 GMT
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A proposed constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana and certain uses of hemp has cleared Ohio's ballot board. The panel's approval Thursday sends the issue into itsMore >>
A proposed constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana and certain uses of hemp has cleared Ohio's ballot board.More >>
Jurors deadlock on Jodi Arias penalty; retrial set
Jurors deadlock on Jodi Arias penalty; retrial set
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 8:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:40:05 GMT
PHOENIX (AP) - The jury in Jodi Arias' trial was dismissed Thursday after failing to reach a unanimous decision on whether the woman they convicted of murdering her one-time boyfriend should be sentencedMore >>
The jury in Jodi Arias' trial was dismissed Thursday after failing to reach a unanimous decision on whether the woman they convicted of murdering her one-time boyfriend should be sentenced to life or death in a case that has captured headlines worldwide with its sex, lies, violence.More >>
Boy Scouts vote to end ban on gay scouts
Boy Scouts vote to end ban on gay scouts
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:38:38 GMT
(ABC News) -- The Boy Scouts of America today voted to lift its longtime national ban on admitting openly gay Scouts but will continue to exclude openly gay adults from leadership roles. The voteMore >>
The Boy Scouts of America today voted to lift its longtime national ban on admitting openly gay Scouts but will continue to exclude openly gay adults from leadership roles.More >>
Valarie Williams thanks TPD officers for saving her life
Valarie Williams thanks TPD officers for saving her life
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 8:02 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:02:06 GMT
The 27-year-old woman who was on the ground staring into the barrel of a shotgun says Toledo police officers saved her life. Valarie Williams tells 13 ABC's Christine Long that it is nothing short ofMore >>
The 27-year-old woman who was on the ground staring into the barrel of a shotgun says Toledo police officers saved her life. As a man stood over her pointing a shotgun to her face, Valerie Williams says, "It was like an angel came because the cops pulled up."More >>
Families shocked with enormous utility bills
Families shocked with enormous utility bills
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-23 22:22:19 GMT
Some families in Maumee were surprised to open their utility bills and find some were ten times the normal amount. Many come from the Wrenworth subdivision and say they've been getting these very highMore >>
Some families in Maumee were surprised to open their utility bills and find some were ten times the normal amount. Many come from the Wrenworth subdivision and say they've been getting these very high bills recently and now they're asking why. At least one family did not get an actual meter reading in several months.
More >>
African American Male Wellness Walk planned in Toledo
African American Male Wellness Walk planned in Toledo
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-23 22:25:21 GMT
Planning is underway for the First Annual African American Male Wellness Walk in Toledo. The walk will be held August 3, 2013 at the African American Legacy Project located at 1326 Collingwood Boulevard.More >>
Planning is underway for the First Annual African American Male Wellness Walk in Toledo. The walk will be held August 3, 2013 at the African American Legacy Project. Go to 13abc.com for details.More >>

Ohio judge weighs whether to keep rape trial open - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Ohio judge weighs whether to keep rape trial open

RegionalMore>>

Medical marijuana issue clears Ohio ballot board

Medical marijuana issue clears Ohio ballot board

Ohio election review finds no voter fraud epidemic

Ohio election review finds no voter fraud epidemic

100 Harpists gather in Sauder Village

100 Harpists gather in Sauder Village

The Great Lakes could be in for a stormy summer

The Great Lakes could be in for a stormy summer

Toledo Republicans may back Independent Mike Bell

Toledo Republicans may back Independent Mike Bell

Top StoriesMore>>

Perrysburg Twp. packaging plant closing this summer; 126 employees affected

Perrysburg Twp. packaging plant closing this summer; 126 employees affected

Road to Recovery Phone Bank

Road to Recovery Phone Bank

Bridge collapses in NW Wash., sending people into water

Bridge collapses in NW Wash., sending people into water

NW population declining, but grads plan to return

NW population declining, but grads plan to return

Medical marijuana issue clears Ohio ballot board

Medical marijuana issue clears Ohio ballot board

Jurors deadlock on Jodi Arias penalty; retrial set

Jurors deadlock on Jodi Arias penalty; retrial set

Boy Scouts vote to end ban on gay scouts

Boy Scouts vote to end ban on gay scouts

Valarie Williams thanks TPD officers for saving her life

Valarie Williams thanks TPD officers for saving her life

Families shocked with enormous utility bills

Families shocked with enormous utility bills

African American Male Wellness Walk planned in Toledo

African American Male Wellness Walk planned in Toledo

Area Events Calendar

See It, Shoot It, Send It!