Court Denies Defense Motion to Remove Judge in Summerlin Private School Assault Case

LAS VEGAS, NV — A significant hurdle for the defense has been cleared in the ongoing prosecution of several teenagers accused of a brutal sexual assault during a 2025 field trip to Costa Rica. A Clark County judge has rejected a motion from defense attorneys to disqualify the current judge overseeing the case.

The Motion for Disqualification

Attorneys for one of the primary suspects, a former student at The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, argued that the presiding judge could not remain impartial. The defense claimed:

“Rubber-Stamping”: The defense alleged the judge simply adopted the findings of the juvenile court when certifying the teens to be tried as adults.
Media Sensation: Defense counsel complained about the “sensationalization” of the case, arguing that judicial comments and heavy media coverage had potentially tainted any prospective jury pool.

The Court’s Ruling

In the decision handed down this week, the court found no evidence of bias or improper conduct. The ruling emphasized that the process of certifying a minor to stand trial in adult court follows strict legal criteria, and the judge’s adherence to those protocols does not constitute prejudice.

What’s Next?

With the motion denied, the case remains on track in the Eighth Judicial District Court.

Indictment Standing: The Grand Jury indictment against the suspects remains the primary legal engine moving toward trial.
Adult System Trial: Two of the suspects, Dominic Kim and Vaughn Griffith, continue to face the adult criminal justice system on felony charges including sexual assault and conspiracy.

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8 News Now (KLAS).