Steubenville Rape Case: Defense wants Ohio football players' trial moved

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Activists from the hacker groups KnightSec and Anonymous protest at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Steubenville, Ohio, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013.

/ AP Photo/The Plain Dealer, Thomas Ondrey

(CBS/AP) STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - The attorney for one of two Ohio high school football players charged with raping a 16-year-old girl says he's seeking to get the trial moved and close it to the media and the public.

Attorney Walter Madison said Friday he has filed those motions and another seeking more time before the trial, which is scheduled next month in juvenile court in Steubenville in eastern Ohio. Madison says the case has gone "out of control" amid extensive online and media attention.

The case has gained international attention through the work of bloggers and hacker-activists who allege that other football players should be charged in the August incident but have been protected through a cover-up.

Complete coverage of the Steubenville Rape Case on Crimesider

9 Comments +

Add a Comment


by thatguy2013 January 15, 2013 12:51 AM EST: This case will be decided by a visiting judge, due to the county prosecutor recusing themselves from this case due to a conflict of interest, which is a whole other dimension to this case. What's even more confusing with the defense attorney requesting a venue change is this will be tried in 'juvenile court', again, a whole other dimension to this case...In this local juvenile court, there is no jury...WOW; Reply to this comment

by Inquiring_Amanda January 14, 2013 9:50 PM EST

Isn't it too late for this? The damage has been done and there's no stopping the digital wildfire from spreading. Besides, you only have to blame those who posted those leaked videos and stuff like some trophy they can brag about online. Just saw this talk on equibbly about making tougher laws where social media sharing is concerned when dealing with sensitive issues like rape. Where do we really draw the line between freedom of speech and online bullying? Are we seeing another case of trial by publicity here?

Reply to this comment


by jlrey65 January 15, 2013 10:10 AM EST: You need some help. Freedom of speech and bulling are 2 different things. Bulling is what the coach and others in Scumville try to do in order to sweep this under the rug..


by Mario_G147 January 16, 2013 12:57 AM EST: In reality, the rapists are the ones who posted their videos and comments on social media - they tried to delete them later, but copies had been made a local blogger, and that is what is out there now.

No, the rapists confessed and gave the video evidence themselves. The victim has been bullied, once by the DA who warned her not to press charges or her life would be ruined (the DA's house is one of those where the victim was raped and urinated on while knocked out with a date rape drug), and now by the defense attorney.


by ibwilliamsi January 14, 2013 2:41 PM EST: Get it moved to Adult court and everyone else will be happy.; Reply to this comment


by RockyFinish January 14, 2013 2:36 PM EST: You move a trial if you think the local jury pool has been tainted by pretrial publicity. This case will be decided by a visiting judge from Cincinnati. No reason to move the trial because the judge will travel with it. As for witnesses not talking to the defense lawyer, how will moving the trial help that? All of this is designed to influence public opinion that his client can't get a fair trial even though there is ample sworn testimony and social media evidence establishing guilt. Anything else, counselor?; Reply to this comment


by RockyFinish January 14, 2013 2:35 PM EST: You move a trial if you think the local jury pool has been tainted by pretrial publicity. This case will be decided by a visiting judge from Cincinnati. No reason to move the trial because the judge will travel with it. As for witnesses not talking to the defense lawyer, how will moving the trial help that? All of this is designed to influence public opinion that his client can't get a fair trial even though there is ample sworn testimony and social media evidence establishing guilt. Anything else, counselor?; Reply to this comment

by VA_Jill January 14, 2013 1:59 PM EST

I'm surprised, in a way. They'd probably get off if the trial were held in Steubenville. Not so likely somewhere else.

Reply to this comment


by bendthemover January 16, 2013 11:58 PM EST: I think they already got off and that is why they are going to court.

Popular Now in Crime

recommended

Follow Crimesider

Most Popular on CBS News

Stories More »

Videos More »

5 Photos | View Gallery »
Photos: Inside the jail cell of Jodi Arias
17 Photos | View Gallery »
Fla. teen charged over underage same-sex relationship
16 Photos | View Gallery »
British flower show in full bloom
7 Photos | View Gallery »
Hofstra Univ. student killed in police standoff
39 Photos | View Gallery »
Billboard Music Awards 2013

Scroll Left

Scroll Right More »

48 Hours 48 Hours for iPad^® A perfect companion to TV's most popular true-crime series.

CBS News on Facebook

Steubenville Rape Case: Defense wants Ohio football players' trial moved

Report offensive content:

E-mail this comment to a friend.

Follow Crimesider

48 Hours iPad App