A Utah judge just dismissed the first-degree felony rape charge against a former BYU football player, Parker Kingston.
Judge Jay Winward of Utah’s 5th District Court dismissed the case against Kingston, who was dismissed from the BYU football program earlier this season following the 22-year-old’s arrest earlier this year. Winward dismissed the case without prejudice, allowing for refiling, after denying the prosectuors’ request to delay the trial until September, according to reporting by KSL.
Kingston was previously scheduled for a jury trial from July 6 to July 10. There is no retrial or trial date set, but the matter is likely far from over, given the nature of Thursday’s dismissal.
The news comes two days after Kingston was spotted working out at an indoor facility with fellow BYU players in Provo.
BYU removed Kingston from the football team earlier this year following news of his arrest in connection with a sexual assault in St. George, Utah. The school’s athletics department responded with this statement, which reads:
“BYU became aware today of the arrest of Parker Kingston. The university takes any allegation very seriously and will cooperate with law enforcement. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment.”
Kingston led BYU with 67 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns last season.
