Hecker is accused of aggravated rape, kidnapping, crimes against nature and theft.
He was indicted on those charges by a jury in September 2023, after what is believed to be his confession of sexually molesting and harming several teenagers between 1966 and 1972 surfaced.
At a competency hearing on Aug. 8, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Benedict Willard stated that Hecker had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia with mild cognitive impairment.
(Courtesy: Archdiocese of New Orleans)
The report detailing the results of Hecker’s latest evaluation did not clarify whether Hecker is competent to stand trial, the judge said.
A month later, Willard removed himself from the case, blaming the state’s actions.
Willard didn’t elaborate, but following his announcement, prosecutors called the judge vindictive for recusing himself the morning of the trial.
Willard then stood up and said he wouldn’t continue to be disrespected.
The judge also clarified the trial wouldn’t have proceeded regardless because Hecker was hospitalized the morning of September 24 for a urinary tract infection.
The case has now been reassigned to Judge Nandi Campbell.
“[Hecker], with this position of authority, was able to victimize them, and now we have another person with authority, on the morning of trial, to make a recusal, causing a massive delay,” said prosecutor Andre Gaudin, Jr. “That is exceptionally frustrating for everyone involved.”
Gene Redman, Hecker’s defense attorney, reacted to the delay by saying, “We definitely feel for the victims. They deserve their day in court 100%, and we’ve just dealt with the situation as is. We have not purposely tried to delay this case in any way.”
A new trial date has not yet been set.
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we have a real problem with our justice system when a JUDGE behaves this way.... it is a Judges job to have no bias and interpret the law. There is no place for an attitude of vindictive behavior because that says there was ALWAYS a bias with this Judge. The Judge should be forced off the bench
stopkillingeachother
24d ago
BE careful of a JUDGE that overlooks the horrendous crimes of CHILD RAPE...
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