Trials begin for MHS wrestlers

SOUTH BEND, Ind.--On Wednesday, the first of 6 trials got underway for the Mishawaka High School teens accused of sexually assaulting a wrestling teammate.

The courtroom was closed off to the public for the majority of the trial because the accused are juveniles.

The trial wrapped up at about 4 p.m. and ABC 57 was able to sit in on the first part of the trial before the public was asked to leave by order of the judge.

"When my son told me he was involved-- well not involved, but that he was at the high school, I felt like something like that shouldn't happen it made me kind of scared," said Virgil Marshall, the father of one of the accused.  

Marshall was one of the parents in the courtroom for the trial.

 "No kid should have to endure what this kid has had to endure. I mean if it was my kid, I would want justice. But, at the same time, I hope justice is fair and I hope people understand that this is not tolerable."

Per a court order from Jan. the courtroom was closed to the public for the testimonies. However, Marshall says he believes the trial and incident should serve as a teaching tool for parents.  

"Absolutely, because you never know what happens behind closed doors, even though your kids are supposed to be safe at school, you never know what happens."

Senior Judge Eric Smithburn is under advisement and has not released a final ruling on Wednesday's trial. Court officials say his decision could take anywhere from a couple hours to a few days.