Hinckley seeks longer stays with his family

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - The man who shot Ronald Reagan appeared in District Court on Monday seeking longer visits at home with his family, though prosecutors opposed the motion as premature, citing his sparse efforts at volunteering and multiple intimate relationships.

John Hinckley Jr., who shot the president outside of the Washington Hilton Hotel in Northwest in 1981, was found not guilty by reason of insanity and sentenced to St. Elizabeths Hospital in 1982. He said he shot Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster.

The hospital recently requested that his periodic privileges to leave the facility be extended, so he may visit his mother in Williamsburg, Va., for up to nine nights, rather the current maximum of six nights. He also wants to do volunteer work during the visits and get a driver’s license.

Prosecutors also are opposing the hospital’s proposal to allow Hinckley to perform volunteer work in the District of Columbia unaccompanied for up to four hours, twice per week.

“It is my opinion … that Mr. Hinckley would not pose a danger to self or others under the context of the hospital’s proposal,” said Paul Montalbano, psychologist and pretrial chief at St. Elizabeths.

Hinckley, who sat a table littered with attorneys, was joined in the packed courtroom by his sister and brother, both of whom testified. His mother was also present.

Prosecutors stated in court documents that Hinckley has entertained numerous love interests while in the hospital, and that further time away from St. Elizabeths “endangers the community.”

They emphasized in court that he is preoccupied with women and has little interest in finding volunteer activities, a condition of his release.

His attorney, Barry Levine, countered that “many people are more interested in leisure than in work,” adding that it does not imply that Hinckley is dangerous. The hearing, which is expected to last several days, continues today.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.