Report: Accused child molester may be able to cross-examine his alleged victims, ages 7 and 8

PHOENIX -- A man representing himself at a pending child molestation trial may be able to cross-examine his accusers, ages 7 and 8, the Arizona Republic reports. 

Chris Simcox, accused of molesting two girls, interviewed the girls' mothers Tuesday in a sort of "mini-trial" hearing, the Republic reports. The hearing was in an effort by prosecutors and victims' rights advocates to show that an interview by Simcox would further traumatize the minors.

An Arizona judge has already ruled that Simcox should be allowed to question his accusers, against the prosecution's plea that it would further harm the minors, thus violating their Sixth Amendment rights.

In the mini-trial, the prosecution introduced three witnesses; a psychology professor and the mothers of the two girls. Psychologist Gail Goodman of the University of California-Davis reported following the mini-trial that though no hard evidence showed interviewing the girls would damage them, that is only because it so rarely happens.

"It happens rarely enough researchers have not been able to study it," Goodman said. "In many countries, it's not even allowed."

Both mothers said their daughters would be greatly distressed if Simcox was to interview them. One mother said her daughter "jumped into" her lap and started crying when she learned what was asked of her.

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