Rape charges against 2 boys are dismissed

King County prosecutors have dismissed rape charges against two Eastside boys who were accused of sexually assaulting two girls at a Christian youth camp in Issaquah in July.

New evidence was uncovered after second-degree-rape charges were filed against the two boys, then 16 and 17, on Aug. 1, said deputy prosecuting attorney Erin Ehlert. Because of the new evidence, prosecutors "determined that we can't prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt," Ehlert said.

She declined to elaborate "out of respect for the (alleged) victims and their families." The charges were dismissed Friday. The trial had been set to begin today.

In August, prosecutors dismissed two counts of second-degree rape against a third boy, 17, who was accused of raping a 14-year-old girl twice during the Christian youth conference at Issaquah's Trinity Lutheran College.

The three girls — two 14-year-old cousins and their 15-year-old friend — accused the three boys of raping them in dorm rooms at the college in late July. All three girls are from Alaska.