Case dismissed: Judge dismisses case against former BYU football player Parker Kingston
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- BYU’s Parker Kingston carries the ball against Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship Game at AT&T Stadium at Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
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- BYU’s Parker Kingston reacts after scoring a touchdown against UCF in a Big 12 football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
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- BYU’s Parker Kingston runs for a touchdown against TCU in a Big 12 football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025.
Former BYU receiver Parker Kingston had the case filed against him alleging sexual assault was dismissed on Thursday by Judge Jay Winward of Utah’s fifth district state court. Kingston’s case was to begin trial on July 6, although the prosecution had argued for more time, requesting a delay in the proceedings which Winward ultimately denied while dismissing the case without prejudice.
The alleged victim’s family, who remain anonymous. issued a statement expressing disappointment and shock at the judge’s decision.
“Our hearts are with our daughter, who showed tremendous courage in coming forward and placing her trust in the justice system. Today, that trust was shattered when the court prioritized getting an athlete back on the field over justice,” the family said. “While we are in disbelief at the events of today, we are grateful for the Washington County Attorney’s office who have assured us that charges will be re-filed. The fight for justice for our daughter will continue.”
Parker was charged and arrested back on February 11, 2026 stemming from the alleged victim’s report of the assault back on February 23, 2025. The alleged assault occurred in St. George and was reported by the 20-year old female to officers at the St. George Regional Hospital.
So while that would appear to be the final verdict in Kingston’s legal ordeal, it’s rarely that easy in these legal matters. Within a few minutes of having the case dismissed by the judge, the prosecution, specifically Deputy Washington County attorney Stephanie Harmon, stated their intent to refile the charges against Kingston with the hope to go to trial in September.
Judge Winward stated that while the case was dismissed without prejudice that the alleged victim could bring back the charges at any time. Winward did state some deference to Kingston, stating the accused must retain his presumption of innocence and that in these type of instances that the accused social, educational and work status routinely comes under consideration.
Kingston was set to finish out his collegiate football career for BYU this coming season after a highly-successful junior campaign which saw him catch 67 passes for 928 yards and five touchdown while returning one punt for a touchdown and three rushes for scores. In his three years playing for the Cougars, the former Roy High star had accumulated 1,331 yards and seven touchdowns receiving while returning three punts for touchdowns and even throwing for three scores.
Parker withdrew from the BYU program shortly after being charged back in February with his playing status very much in question for the coming 2026 season and after.