An Iowa City man accused of aiding and abetting attempted murder requested on Wednesday that the case against him be dismissed.

Harry Rayton IV, 22, is accused of helping Adam Burkart, 19, attack another man June 13.

But Burkart was found not guilty on Sept. 11. That’s why, Rayton’s lawyer said, the charges should be dropped.

One of the elements of the aiding and abetting charge is that the attempted murder occurred.

Because Rayton was found not guilty, the state cannot prove this element, wrote Dennis Cohen, a local attorney in the motion.

According to police reports, Rayton kicked and punched the victim while Burkart stabbed the man.

The fight left the alleged victim with broken ribs and six stab wounds in the chest, back, and abdomen.

— by Regina Zilbermints