One-Time Evergreen Man Who Shot President Reveals Thoughts In Letters
DENVER (CBS4)- Testimony continues as a court will decide on future freedoms for the man from Evergreen who shot President Ronald Reagan. CBS4 Investigator Rick Sallinger shares the letters he received from John Hinckley, Jr.
Government lawyers told the court if Hinckely is permanently released from a mental hospital, he should have a GPS monitoring device on his ankles and car.
The letters were received during the first years after Hinckley's trial where the jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity. But his lawyers claim he is a different person now and he wants to be released.
Hinckley shot Reagan in 1981, found not guilty by reason of insanity and sent to a mental hospital in Washington, D.C. From there he wrote two letters in response to correspondence from CBS4 Investigator Rick Sallinger.
In 1982 he stated, "I've got a feeling I'll be out of here sooner than everybody thinks."
"When I get out I want to be an astronaut or a psychiatrist. Possibly a Denver Bronco."
He also stated that he might wash dishes or sell autographs.
The thought of a man who shot the president being considered to go free may surprise people but CBS4 Legal Analyst Karen Steinhauser said it shouldn't be.
"There is no such thing that I am aware of that not guilty by reason of insanity means that person will be in a facility for the rest of their life," said Steinhauser.
Another letter dated November 1984 began, "Dear Mr. Sallinger."
In it he complained he was unable to vote, adding "I'm a political prisoner."
He said all he wanted was a quiet life with his loved one but noted, "As a presidential assailant I will forever be seen as an enemy and outcast to the American people."
In court, his longtime attorney argued Hinckley's mental illness has been in full remission for two decades.
"They can show a judge they no longer present a danger of bodily injury to people or damage to property," said Steinhauser.
Hinckley wants to live in his mother's home under certain restrictions. If he is released one condition both sides agree on is no contact with the news media.
