Claim: Former BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston has been proven innocent and cleared of all wrongdoing after a judge dismissed his felony rape case.

Former Brigham Young University wide receiver Parker Kingston has been at the center of an alleged rape case since February 2025. But a recent post on X claimed: “BYU WR PARKER KINGSTON Was Dismissed of all charges of rape, and in the aftermath, BYU has dismissed him from the team.” But is that really the case? 

It took nearly a year-long investigation, but Washington County prosecutors filed a first-degree felony rape charge on February 10, 2026. The next day, he was arrested in Provo, Utah. Although he was initially held without bail, Washington County Judge Jay Winward granted him bail a couple of days later, setting it at a $100,000 bond under strict conditions. 

On the same day, BYU announced Kingston had been removed from the football team and expelled from the university for Honor Code violations. After a delay, Kingston pleaded not guilty during a preliminary hearing on April 23, 2026. The trial was initially scheduled for May but was postponed to July after prosecutors cited the alleged victim’s mental health and medical issues. 

At a pretrial hearing on June 18, prosecutors sought another delay until September or October due to the alleged victim’s health issues. This didn’t sit well with the defense, which argued that the request violated Kingston’s right to a speedy trial. The judge denied the continuance and dismissed the charge.

Our Verdict: Partially True

Although the charge was dismissed, an ESPN report noted that the case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors can refile the case at any time. The Washington County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that it intends to do so after the dismissal. Under Section 76-1-301 of the Utah Code, prosecutors may bring a first-degree felony rape charge under Section 76-5-402 at any time, as there is no statute of limitations. 

So it means that while the case against Parker Kingston has been dismissed, he hasn’t been proven innocent and cleared of all wrongdoing. But since the case has been dismissed for now, he is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. He will likely have to appear before the court once the charge gets filed again and may need to go through the entire process again. 

Following the dismissal, the alleged victim’s family released a statement expressing disappointment with the court’s decision.

“We are shocked and deeply disappointed by the dismissal of this case,” the statement from the victim’s family read. “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 Court’s decision will be difficult for many victims to understand and accept. It sends a message that even when someone finds the strength to speak out, they may still be unheard.”

Unsealed documents reveal the Parker Kingston investigation details

On February 12, 2026, court documents, including the probable cause affidavit, were unsealed. It revealed that cops initially learned about the alleged sexual assault when the woman contacted officers at the St. George Regional Hospital on February 27, 2025. A handful of months later, on June 3, the alleged victim met with a forensic investigator from the Washington County Attorney’s Office. 

During their conversation, police say the woman presented evidence in the form of online communication. They showed that the 20-year-old had made it clear that she didn’t want to have sexual intercourse with Kingston. When Kingston arrived at the alleged victim’s home in the early morning hours of February 23, 2025, they initially watched a movie together. They engaged in some sexual activity while watching the movie, but didn’t have sex. 

According to the woman, a short while later, Kingston had started falling asleep. So, she left the room to get ready for bed. But when she returned, Kingston initiated intercourse again. Cops say the woman asked Kingston to stop multiple times and even tried to push him off her. But the former BYU wide receiver didn’t stop and allegedly raped her. Kingston, however, told police that everything that had happened was consensual. 

Our fact-checking sources:

• USA Today, February 11, 2026. BYU All-Big 12 WR Parker Kingston faces felony rape charge
• Universe Sports, February 13, 2026. BYU receiver Parker Kingston granted bail in first-degree felony rape case
• KTVX, April 24, 2026. Former BYU football player accused of rape pleads not guilty, trial dates set
• X Post, June 19, 2026. Traxinpower4 (Formly traxinpower5)
• ESPN, June 19, 2026. Parker Kingston rape charge dismissed; state to refile vs. ex-BYU WR
• The Athletic, Feb. 12, 2026. New details emerge in felony rape case against BYU receiver Parker Kingston