Judge Would Consider Releasing Hinckley ‘if the Facts Support It’

The judge who has been with John W. Hinckley Jr.’s case since Hinckley was arrested for shooting President Reagan and three others said Sunday that he would consider releasing Hinckley at some time.

But the prosecutor in the case, U.S. Atty. Joseph diGenova, said he doubts that Hinckley should ever be released. DiGenova and U.S. District Judge Barrington D. Parker appeared on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

Parker refused to say whether Hinckley’s letters to condemned killer Theodore Bundy were innocuous, as the defense and hospital officials asserted.

Request Withdrawn

St. Elizabeths Hospital abruptly withdrew its request to allow Hinckley an unescorted Easter leave to visit his parents after the existence of the letters was revealed last week.

The judge, who has been characterized as a hard-nosed opponent of freedom for Hinckley, said he would consider releasing Hinckley “if the facts support it.”

“The man has not been found guilty of any crime,” Parker said. “But I, as well as any other responsible judge, would be aware of the fact that the underlying crime for which he has not been found guilty is assault, and that a person has been completely maimed for life.”

Hinckley, 31, has been confined to St. Elizabeths Hospital since he was found not guilty by reason of insanity for shooting Reagan; his press secretary, James S. Brady; a policeman, and a Secret Service agent on March 30, 1981.

Applauds Review

DiGenova applauded a review of St. Elizabeths’ handling of the case launched last week by the National Institute of Mental Health.

“There is no question in my mind that at this time John Hinckley should not be out,” DiGenova said.

When asked if Hinckley should ever be released, DiGenova said: “I sincerely doubt it.”