The retired Catholic priest and self-acknowledged child molester Lawrence Hecker’s trial on rape and kidnapping charges – scheduled for 24 September – could be significantly delayed yet again after a medical report on the 92-year-old’s mental health has been filed in court.
A court-ordered psychiatric evaluation diagnosed Hecker with dementia, saying he has “good days and bad days”, according to a statement from his defense team. A copy of the report by two Tulane forensic psychiatrists, obtained Wednesday by WWL Louisiana and the Guardian, says Hecker’s “cognitive abilities will continue to deteriorate. Our opinion remains that while he is able to understand the proceedings, he will continue to be impaired regarding assisting his attorney.”
