Father wants allegedly abused Wis. teen to testify

MADISON (AP) -- The Madison teen who wasted away to 68 pounds after her parents allegedly locked her in the basement and denied her food will almost certainly have to take the stand if her father and stepmother go to trial.

The father's lawyer filed motions this week asking that the girl be compelled to testify in person. Attorney William Hayes wrote that having the girl testify live rather than by videotape allows his client his constitutional right to confront his accuser.

Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne declined to go into specifics about his plans for that specific case. However, he says whenever he gets ready for a trial he makes sure all potential witnesses are prepared to take the stand.

The girl's father, stepmother and stepbrother all face child-abuse charges.

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