U.S. Women's Soccer star Hope Solo is no longer facing domestic violence charges after a judge dismissed her case on Tuesday. The judge cleared Solo of two counts of fourth-degree assault, dismissing the case that stemmed from an altercation in June.
Kirkland Municipal Court Judge Michael Lambo dismissed the charges on Tuesday after the alleged victims refused to be interviewed about the case, according to the Associated Press. The fact the alleged victims - Solo's half-sister and 17-year-old nephew - failed to make themselves available on multiple occasions to be deposed by Solo's defense team, along with the supposed inconsistencies in the accounts of the prosecution and the alleged victims, led Judge Lambo to clear Solo on two counts of fourth-degree assault.
"Today's decision brings closure to what has been one of the most difficult and emotionally draining times of my life," Solo wrote Tuesday on Facebook. "I always had faith that once the facts of the case were presented, I would be cleared of all charges and I am so happy and relieved to finally have it all behind. ... I am so grateful for the support of my husband Jerramy, my mother, grandmother and members of my extended family who surrounded me with love and reassurance each and every day. I would also like to thank my incredible fans who consistently sent positive, heartfelt messages of encouragement and kept my spirits lifted throughout this entire ordeal.
"I look forward to joining my team with a clear mind to train, compete, and help bring a World Cup title to the U.S. in 2015."
The altercation, according to Fox Sports, occurred on June 21 after Solo allegedly attacked her half-sister and nephew at a party. Solo pleaded not guilty and claimed she was defending herself against her nephew, who's 6-foot-9 and 280 pounds. The court documents obtained by Fox Sports indicate Solo and her nephew got into a fist fight after she called him fat during an argument about his acting aspirations; when the boy's mother tried to intervene, the documents indicate Solo punched her in her face. The documents also said the nephew broke a broom over Solo's head and pointed a broken BB gun at her in an attempt to make her leave.
Yahoo Sports reported the incident likely involved alcohol.
Solo pleaded not guilty. If she had been convicted, Solo would have faced several months of jail time and likely would have missed the upcoming Women's World Cup.
