Goldade v. State

Are statements which identify an abuser made by a child victim to a nurse and a physician admissible in evidence under the exception to the hearsay rule articulated in Rule 803(4), W.R.E.? This is the essential question presented in this appeal, although an attack also is made upon the reliability of the statements. The district court, in a trial to the court, ruled that such statements could be received in evidence, and they were received. The appellant was found guilty by the court of child abuse in violation of § 14-3-101(a)(ii), W.S. 1977, and she was sentenced to a term of six months in the county jail and a fine of $500 in accordance with the provisions of § 14-3-103(a), W.S. 1977. The imposition of the sentence and fine were suspended, and the appellant was placed on probation for one year. This appeal is from that judgment and sentence. We shall affirm the trial court.