Latest on Ooltewah rape trial

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A judge has rejected prosecutors’ bid to have one of three Tennessee high school basketball players charged with raping a teammate transferred from juvenile to adult court.

Sevier County Judge Dwight Stokes cited the teen’s lack of prior legal trouble as well as testimony and a psychological evaluation indicating the defendant was remorseful. Stokes also noted Tuesday studies that showed juveniles have a much better chance of rehabilitation if they aren’t transferred to adult court.

Prosecutors described the teen, now 18 years old, as a leader in the “aggressive, pre-meditated and horrific attack.”

He is one of three Ooltewah High School players facing aggravated rape charges after they allegedly assaulted a freshman teammate during a hazing incident on Dec. 22. Police say the boy required emergency surgery after they held him down and assaulted him with a pool cue at a Gatlinburg cabin while the team was participating in a holiday tournament