Welch v. Commonwealth

OPINION BY Justice DONALD W. LEMONS.

In this appeal, we consider whether the Commonwealth's evidence of a "sexual relationship" between James R. Welch, Jr. and a 14-year-old girl is sufficient to support his conviction under Code § 18.2-63 for carnal knowledge of a child. For the reasons stated below, we will reverse the judgment of the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

I. Facts and Proceedings Below

At trial, the Commonwealth's evidence established that James Welch, a 27-year-old man, had engaged in unspecified "sexual relations" with Amanda, a 14-year-old babysitter for his daughter. At the close…