LOCAL NEWS: Judge Declares Mistrial In Vanderbilt Rape Case

Judge Monte Watkins declared a mistrial Tuesday afternoon in the case of two former Vanderbilt football players convicted of raping a fellow student.

 Defense attorneys for Brandon Vandenburg and Corey Batey brought the mistrial motion before the court, saying the two didn't get a fair trial because a jury member failed to disclose the fact that he had been a victim of statutory rape.

Attorneys have questioned the honesty of former jury foreman Todd Easter. During jury selection, Easter failed to disclose that when he was 16-years-old, he was in a consensual relationship with a 23-year-old man.

"I was in the same state of mind anyone who went through a tragic breakup. I was heartbroken," said Easter.

After Todd's parents found out about the relationship, the man was charged with statutory rape -- technically making Easter a victim.

"I was asked if I considered myself a victim and I said no," Easter testified.

None of this though was ever conveyed during jury selection. Defense attorneys argue in no way would they have allowed the 31-year-old to be a juror.

Now that the ruling has been made, Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey, who the jury convicted of multiple counts of aggravated rape and sexual assault, could be set free.  A date could be set for a new trial.  WTVF

photo via USAToday.com