Closing arguments have concluded in the trial of former Utah State University football player Torrey Green, who faced 11 felony sexual assault charges stemming from allegations dating back to 2016. An eight-person jury is expected to deliver a verdict following deliberations that began on Thursday, August 7, 2026, at the 1st District Court in Brigham City.
Prosecution Presents Final Arguments
The trial, which reached a critical juncture on Thursday, August 7, 2026, follows years of legal proceedings related to the allegations. The prosecution and defense presented their final arguments to the jury, marking the end of a courtroom battle that has drawn significant attention to the former athlete's conduct during his time at Utah State University.
During the trial, prosecution attorney Spencer Walsh argued that the state had met the burden of proof required for a conviction. Walsh stated to the jury that the evidence established the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. He emphasized that the legal standard does not require overcoming every possible doubt, but rather meeting a reasonable standard of proof. Walsh also addressed the timing of the allegations, arguing that it is common for sexual assault victims to delay reporting crimes.
Defense Challenges Accusations
The defense, led by attorney Skye Lazaro, countered the prosecution's claims by arguing that the state failed to meet the necessary legal standard for conviction. Lazaro emphasized that reasonable doubt is a high standard, comparable to the scrutiny applied to the most important decisions in a person's life.
Lazaro argued that several of the accusers only came forward after media coverage of the case emerged in 2016, which was between one and three years after the alleged incidents occurred. The defense suggested that the accusers had ulterior motives, including seeking attention or reacting to personal grievances. During the proceedings, Green testified that he had consensual sex with four of the women who accused him of rape, while maintaining that he did not have sexual contact with the remaining two accusers.
Evidence and Testimony
A central piece of evidence presented by the prosecution involved a text message sent by Green to a friend shortly after the case received media attention. According to the prosecution, the message contained admissions of guilt, with Green writing, "I messed up, OK? Im the one that fed those hoes back in the day. They said that I raped them. Yes, I did. It's my fault. Im the one that did it. My life is fed up because it's my fault."
However, the defense highlighted a portion of the same message where Green wrote in all capital letters, "I DID NOT RAPE ANYONE. I WAS SET UP." Green also testified that while he admitted to being a "ladies' man" with many consensual sexual encounters during his college years, he expressed regret regarding those actions. Lazaro argued that there is nothing illegal about casual sexual encounters or one-night stands.
Judicial Oversight
The legal proceedings have taken place in the First District Court, where Associate Presiding Judge Spencer D. Walsh serves. Judge Walsh, who was appointed to the court in September 2020 by Governor Gary R. Herbert, has an extensive background in criminal law, having previously served as the chief prosecutor for the Cache County Attorney's Office.
Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Walsh served as a member of the Utah Sexual Violence Council for the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice and presided over the Box Elder County Mental Health Court. His professional history includes roles as a Deputy County Attorney in Cache County and a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the West Valley City Attorney's Office.
Awaiting the Verdict
As the jury deliberates, the community awaits a decision that will determine the future of the former football player. The jury's deliberations began behind closed doors on Thursday, August 7, 2026, and the court expects to reconvene for further proceedings following the conclusion of their discussions.
Community Impact
The case has remained a focal point for the Utah State community for years. While the university's football program continues its seasonal activities, the legal resolution of these 11 felony charges remains a significant matter for the 1st District Court.
