PHOENIX, Ariz. (April 9, 2015) – The Arizona Supreme Court today granted a petition for stay filed on behalf of one of the child victims in the trial of Christopher Simcox, who is accused of molesting several minor victims between the ages of 7 and 9 years old. Mr. Simcox recently decided to represent himself in the case, raising the problem that he may be allowed to personally cross-examine his own sexual abuse victims.
Jack Wilenchik of the law firm of Wilenchik & Bartness, P.C. filed the emergency motion on behalf of the child victim with the Arizona Supreme Court last night. Prosecutors had previously filed a Motion with the trial Judge to have a lawyer appointed to ask the victim questions instead of Mr. Simcox, which the Judge had denied. The Court of Appeals is reviewing that decision, but in the meantime it decided not to put the trial on hold, allowing the victim to actually be cross-examined by Mr. Simcox in the meantime. The victim was expected to be called as a witness as early as today, so Mr. Wilenchik filed the emergency Petition last night asking the Arizona Supreme Court to stay the case. Justice Pelander, on behalf of the Arizona Supreme Court, heard and granted the Petition.
Mr. Wilenchik and his firm are handling the matter pro bono, in the interests of justice.
http://www.azfamily.com/story/28767919/chris-simcox-child-molestation-trial-delayed?autostart=true