Court Opinion

ID: 8891444
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-11-26 23:18:19.079282+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:07:14.346737
License: Public Domain

PHILLIPS, Judge.
Defendant was convicted of attempted second degree rape in violation of G.S. 14-27.6 and second degree kidnapping in violation of G.S. 14-39. The sex offense was based upon allegations in the indictment that the victim, Vauteria Elaine Moseley, was mentally defective, see G.S. 14-27.1, G.S. 14-27.5, and that defendant knew or should have known that. The evidence, all by the State, tends to establish all the facts alleged. Defendant contends that the evidence erroneously includes the expert testimony of Darlena Mixon as to the victim’s mental retardation, and the testimony of the victim, who he argues is not a qualified witness. Neither contention has merit and we find no error.
The court’s finding that Darlena Mixon was well qualified to give expert testimony as to Vauteria Elaine Moseley’s mental retardation is abundantly supported by competent evidence and is therefore conclusive. State v. Johnson, 280 N.C. 281, 185 S.E.2d 698 (1972). With respect thereto the evidence shows, inter alia, that she was educated to be a school psychologist, had served as a school psychologist for twenty-three years, and had tested the intellectual capacity of approximately 2,000 children and adults, including that of the victim.
Whether Vauteria Elaine Moseley was qualified to testify was a question of fact for the trial judge to determine in his discretion. State v. Fearing, 315 N.C. 167, 337 S.E.2d 551 (1985). In finding that she was a qualified witness, the court noted that he had observed the witness and heard her answers to the questions asked by both sides and had no doubt as to her ability to answer “yes” or “no” to any of them. Since this indicates that the finding has a rational basis, it cannot be disturbed. State v. Hicks, 319 N.C. 84, 352 S.E.2d 424 (1987).
No error.
Judges Parker and Greene concur.