Reagan Gunman Seeks More Freedom
EmailThe man whose obsession with the actress Jodie Foster drove him to shoot President Reagan 25 years ago "does not pose a danger to himself or others," his lawyer said today and should be allowed more visits home with his elderly parents. John Hinckley Jr. has been committed to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., since 1982, when he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the attempted assassination. Last year a judge granted him seven supervised visits to his parents’ home in Virginia, and today Hinckley’s lawyers returned to court to ask for more. THE BLOTTER RECOMMENDS Click Here to See This Week’s Webcast on Ammonium Nitrate Click Here to See This Week’s Webcast on the Special Access Lobbyists Had to Senators This Summer Click Here to Ask Brian Ross a Question Attorney Barry Levine told the court, "There is not one scintilla of evidence which supports that he is a danger or has mental health problems." He said the visits let Hinckley have "a normal lifestyle and normal relationships." He also disputed a Justice Department claim that the elder Hinckleys are in failing health and that "their physical ability to supervise Mr. Hinckley is questionable." According to Levine, Hinckley’s parents are doing "fine." And he pointed out that in addition to parental supervision, the visits are closely monitored by the U.S. Secret Service. At today’s hearing, Judge Paul Friedman said he might consider letting Hinckley’s brother and sister act as custodians for future visits. Judge Friedman indicated he would not make a decision until he reviews briefings from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the Justice Department, but he said, "My inclination is to continue these visits." The next hearing is set for Nov. 7. President Reagan was seriously wounded when Hinckley opened fire at close range outside a Washington hotel on March 30, 1981. White House Press Secretary James Brady was shot in the head and left brain damaged, and a police officer and Secret Service agent were also injured in the attack.
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
So, he was judged to be insane in 1982 and committed to a hospital instead of being sent to jail…but, his lawyer maintains that there isn’t any evidence that Hinckley has “mental health problems”? Well, if he no longer has mental health problems, I think he ought to spend the rest of his life in JAIL. This guy shot a U.S. President, two secret service agents, and put James Brady in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Here’s my deal for Hinckley: as soon as James Brady is able to walk again and is in good health, Hinckley is welcome to all the home visits he wants!!!
Posted by: Dawn H. | October 24, 2006, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm
I fear that if Hinckley were to ever slip away from his “supervisors” that he would pose a serious threat to the safety of Jodi Foster and her children or to other memebers of society in an attempt again to gain Ms. Foster’s attention. It would be interesting to document the basis for the lawyer’s assertion that “he is not mentally ill”.
Posted by: Louise M. | October 26, 2006, 1:14 pm 1:14 pm
I agree as soon as mr. Brady can walk let him have his visits
Posted by: Ben | October 30, 2006, 5:29 pm 5:29 pm
No release for Hinckley! You’ll never convince me that someone “gets better” from being a homicidal stalker. However, I put it in the hands of the families whose lives he altered forever. If every one of them (including Ms. Foster) says, “Release John Hinckley” then so be it.
Otherwise, if his attorney feels Hinckley is rehabbed, then toss him in prison for another 20 years before considering parole of any kind. I’m for mercy, but not at the expense of innocent people.
Posted by: George | October 31, 2006, 8:42 am 8:42 am