Judge Drops Rape Charge Against Ex-BYU Player After Denying July Trial Delay

Utah’s Fifth District Court Judge Jay Winward dismissed the rape charge against Parker Kingston, a former BYU football player, after denying prosecutors’ bid to push the July 6–10 jury trial back; the case was dismissed without prejudice, allowing it to be refiled. Kingston’s defense argued that further delay would harm his education and life, while the alleged victim’s family said the ruling jeopardizes justice and indicated charges would be refiled. The judge said there is no constitutional right to a delayed trial when a speedy-trial right exists, noting Kingston’s life disruption and that the presumption of innocence remains.