KENTUCKY: Judge Reduces Charges In Attack Against Lesbian Teen

Saying there is not enough evidence to support felony charges, a judge in Kentucky has reduced the attempted murder charges against two teenage girls who have been accused of trying to throw a lesbian classmate off a cliff.

After a hearing Thursday, District Judge Henria Bailey-Lewis reduced the charges against Ashley Sams and Corinne Schwab to fourth-degree assault and menacing, both misdemeanors. Sams and Schwab, both 18, had been charged with attempted murder and kidnapping in the case, which has gotten widespread attention because of an allegation that they attacked Cheyenne Williams as a result of her sexual orientation. Corinne Schwab, left, and Ashley Sams did not comment but were all smiles after the charges against them were reduced Thursday. Attorneys for the two had strongly denied the attack and said the girls were pleased the judge reduced the charges. "I think justice was served," said Richmond attorney James Baechtold, who represents Schwab. Sams and Schwab committed no crime and will fight the misdemeanor charges, their attorneys said. The two high school seniors and their families declined to comment as they left court with a large number of supporters.

The Kentucky Equality Federation says they remain convinced that the attack was a hate crime. They have asked the FBI to investigate.