Man who tried to kill Reagan asks to spend more time with family

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, August 15, 2006

WASHINGTON – John W. Hinckley Jr., who was committed to a mental hospital after trying to assassinate President Reagan in 1981, is asking a federal judge to let him spend more time with his family.

Prosecutors oppose the request, saying they need to review Hinckley’s medical records.

Hinckley, who said he shot Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster, was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 1982.

Last year, a federal judge approved Hinckley’s request to leave St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington for seven extended visits with his parents in Virginia. Hinckley is down to his last visit. On Aug. 1 he asked a federal judge to extend that order.

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman scheduled a Nov. 6 hearing on the request.