Defense attorneys claim alleged attack on lesbian was "staged"

McKee, Kentucky - Defense attorneys for three girls accused of trying to murder a lesbian friend say the attack was staged and the lesbian was a willing participant.

18-year-old Cheyenne Williams claims that in mid-April, three longtime friends took her to a waterfall in Kentucky, beat her up, and tried to push her off a cliff.

18-year-olds Ashley Sams and Corinne Schwab pleaded not guilty Monday to kidnapping and attempted murder. A 17-year-old is also charged as a juvenile.

Williams mother says it was a hate crime. If it was officially classified as such, the penalties could be much more severe. However, state police detectives say this was not a hate crime.

At a hearing scheduled for this Thursday, Williams and the detective will probably be called to testify. The judge could then refer the case to a grand jury or dismiss the charges.

Williams taped the incident on her cell phone. Both sides claim this video vindicates them.

Defense attorneys have questioned why, if Williams had the presence of mind to make a video, she didn't just dial 911.