State v. Watkins

Kenneth Watkins appeals his conviction of one count of rape in the second degree. He claims error in the trial court's failure to conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine the competency of three prosecution witnesses. He also contends that the trial court erred in twice continuing his speedy trial expiration date owing to the absence of standby counsel. We affirm.

I

In August 1990, Watkins met the victim in this case, R.P., at a bus stop in Seattle. R.P. is "mildly retarded" and suffers from cerebral palsy. She has an I.Q. of 30. R.P., who at the time of trial was 27 years old, lived at an…