1 00:00:07,508 --> 00:00:08,774 - I'm craig melvin, 2 00:00:08,842 --> 00:00:12,110 And this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 3 00:00:12,179 --> 00:00:14,780 - I hear this pop, pop, pop. 4 00:00:14,782 --> 00:00:16,448 - It was one of the most harrowing days 5 00:00:16,450 --> 00:00:18,017 In our history. 6 00:00:18,086 --> 00:00:21,686 The attempted assassination of president reagan. 7 00:00:21,755 --> 00:00:23,989 - The screaming, yelling, it's chaos. 8 00:00:23,991 --> 00:00:28,159 - Now, an unprecedented look into the mind and new life 9 00:00:28,229 --> 00:00:30,529 Of the gunman, john hinckley jr., 10 00:00:30,597 --> 00:00:33,399 With the stories you haven't heard. 11 00:00:33,467 --> 00:00:36,268 The cop who questioned hinckley speaks out 12 00:00:36,270 --> 00:00:38,537 In his first nationally televised interview. 13 00:00:38,539 --> 00:00:40,939 - I just didn't think that he realized the magnitude 14 00:00:40,941 --> 00:00:42,974 Of what he had done. 15 00:00:43,043 --> 00:00:45,077 - From behind the hospital walls. 16 00:00:45,079 --> 00:00:47,413 - He turned to her and said, "will you marry me?" 17 00:00:47,481 --> 00:00:50,748 - Secrets from his diaries uncovered by "dateline". 18 00:00:50,818 --> 00:00:53,953 His obsession with actress jodie foster. 19 00:00:54,021 --> 00:00:56,356 - The letters were assumed to have been, you know, 20 00:00:56,423 --> 00:00:57,722 Love type letters. 21 00:00:57,791 --> 00:01:00,292 - And the most controversial question of all: 22 00:01:00,360 --> 00:01:03,428 Is hinckley really fit to be free? 23 00:01:03,430 --> 00:01:05,097 - He's a potentially dangerous character. 24 00:01:05,165 --> 00:01:06,231 He's proven that. 25 00:01:06,300 --> 00:01:14,039 ♪♪ 26 00:01:14,107 --> 00:01:17,577 - Hello and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 27 00:01:17,644 --> 00:01:20,846 John hinckley jr. Would go down in infamy 28 00:01:20,914 --> 00:01:23,849 For attempting to assassinate president ronald reagan. 29 00:01:23,917 --> 00:01:26,451 And since the day he pulled that trigger, 30 00:01:26,520 --> 00:01:29,654 Hinckley has remained an enigma. 31 00:01:29,723 --> 00:01:33,993 Now we are about to reveal an extraordinary trove 32 00:01:34,061 --> 00:01:37,195 Of his most private thoughts and feelings. 33 00:01:37,264 --> 00:01:41,133 Here's special contributor, troy roberts, with hinckley: 34 00:01:41,201 --> 00:01:43,368 "diary of a dangerous mind." 35 00:01:46,273 --> 00:01:50,542 - Charming, small town williamsburg, virginia. 36 00:01:51,279 --> 00:01:54,880 People visit from all over the world for a taste 37 00:01:54,949 --> 00:01:58,183 Of america's colonial history. 38 00:02:00,621 --> 00:02:03,455 This man came for something more. 39 00:02:03,524 --> 00:02:07,826 A new life, one that would be quiet and normal. 40 00:02:07,828 --> 00:02:10,430 - He volunteers at a church, he plays a lot of music, 41 00:02:10,497 --> 00:02:13,165 Goes on walks. 42 00:02:13,233 --> 00:02:17,236 - But his journey to get here was a long one 43 00:02:17,304 --> 00:02:21,640 Filled with violence, 44 00:02:21,709 --> 00:02:25,710 Mental illness, and confinement. 45 00:02:25,779 --> 00:02:27,779 - This is a violently insane person, 46 00:02:27,848 --> 00:02:31,249 So you need to put him somewhere where he can't harm anybody. 47 00:02:31,318 --> 00:02:34,786 - No one would guess it now, but this senior citizen 48 00:02:34,855 --> 00:02:39,925 Casually walking around town is an infamous figure, 49 00:02:39,927 --> 00:02:41,260 A man who once tried to kill 50 00:02:41,328 --> 00:02:43,930 The president of the united states 51 00:02:43,997 --> 00:02:46,298 Over a movie star. 52 00:02:49,303 --> 00:02:53,138 John hinckley jr. 53 00:02:53,207 --> 00:02:55,473 Today, after being institutionalized 54 00:02:55,542 --> 00:02:59,645 For more than three decades, he is pretty much a free man. 55 00:03:07,488 --> 00:03:11,089 It was a rainy spring Monday in washington, d.C., 56 00:03:11,158 --> 00:03:13,025 Just a few months after ronald reagan 57 00:03:13,093 --> 00:03:15,360 Was elected present. 58 00:03:15,362 --> 00:03:17,495 - March 30th, 1981 is seventy days 59 00:03:17,564 --> 00:03:20,165 Into reagan's first term, and it's a nothing day. 60 00:03:20,233 --> 00:03:23,101 He's giving a speech at the washington hilton. 61 00:03:23,103 --> 00:03:26,571 - A nothing day that was about to turn into a day 62 00:03:26,640 --> 00:03:28,974 No one would ever forget. 63 00:03:28,976 --> 00:03:30,977 "los angeles times" reporter del wilber 64 00:03:31,044 --> 00:03:34,012 Interviewed well over 100 people for his book, 65 00:03:34,014 --> 00:03:36,581 "rawhide down". 66 00:03:36,583 --> 00:03:40,986 Rawhide, the secret service codename for president reagan. 67 00:03:40,988 --> 00:03:43,455 - We're going to convince this city that the power 68 00:03:43,524 --> 00:03:46,926 Begins and ends with the people. 69 00:03:46,994 --> 00:03:48,393 - He gives a speech. 70 00:03:48,462 --> 00:03:50,930 He's walking out, it's 2:27 p.M. 71 00:03:50,998 --> 00:03:54,733 - I was part of the press pool, which is the small group 72 00:03:54,801 --> 00:03:58,269 Of reporters who follow along in the motorcade. 73 00:03:58,339 --> 00:04:01,073 - "pbs newshour" anchor and managing editor 74 00:04:01,141 --> 00:04:03,875 Judy woodruff was the white house correspondent 75 00:04:03,944 --> 00:04:05,744 For nbc news. 76 00:04:05,813 --> 00:04:07,746 - He came out the door and was waving. 77 00:04:07,815 --> 00:04:11,416 I remember he raised his arm to wave to people there. 78 00:04:11,418 --> 00:04:13,885 - Fifteen feet away was a rope line, 79 00:04:13,954 --> 00:04:16,556 Which separated a small crowd of reporters 80 00:04:16,623 --> 00:04:19,524 And bystanders from the president. 81 00:04:19,593 --> 00:04:23,295 In that crowd, a sandy blond haired 25-year-old 82 00:04:23,363 --> 00:04:26,432 Named john hinckley jr. 83 00:04:26,500 --> 00:04:28,301 Moments later... 84 00:04:30,170 --> 00:04:32,037 - It sounded like firecrackers. 85 00:04:32,105 --> 00:04:34,706 You knew in a-in an instant it couldn't be firecrackers. 86 00:04:34,775 --> 00:04:36,775 You then assumed it was a gun. 87 00:04:36,777 --> 00:04:40,179 - And he unleashes six shots in 1.7 seconds. 88 00:04:42,850 --> 00:04:45,317 - Everybody yelled, "get down! Get down!" 89 00:04:45,319 --> 00:04:50,189 And all I saw was a jumble of people shoving the president, 90 00:04:50,257 --> 00:04:53,391 And I couldn't tell who else, into a car. 91 00:04:53,393 --> 00:04:55,528 - Hinckley seemed to shoot recklessly, 92 00:04:55,595 --> 00:04:59,931 Almost randomly, in reagan's direction. 93 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:03,602 All three networks had camera crews at the event, 94 00:05:03,604 --> 00:05:05,137 Which later allowed reporters 95 00:05:05,205 --> 00:05:08,741 To break down every horrifying moment. 96 00:05:08,809 --> 00:05:10,675 - First shot hits jim brady in the head. 97 00:05:10,744 --> 00:05:11,610 He falls to the ground. 98 00:05:11,612 --> 00:05:12,844 He's the presidential press secretary. 99 00:05:12,913 --> 00:05:14,612 The second shot hits tom delahanty, 100 00:05:14,681 --> 00:05:16,349 A d.C. Police officer in the back, 101 00:05:16,416 --> 00:05:17,917 He falls to the ground. 102 00:05:17,984 --> 00:05:19,484 The fourth shot hits tim mccarthy, 103 00:05:19,553 --> 00:05:22,020 Secret service agent who turned and took a shot in the chest 104 00:05:22,089 --> 00:05:24,222 Without a bulletproof vest. 105 00:05:24,291 --> 00:05:26,825 - Oh, my god! 106 00:05:26,894 --> 00:05:29,261 - I remember yelling and the chaos. 107 00:05:29,329 --> 00:05:30,962 I said, "was the president hit?" 108 00:05:31,031 --> 00:05:34,099 And they said, "I don't think so". 109 00:05:34,167 --> 00:05:37,903 - Did you see john hinckley outside of the hotel? 110 00:05:37,905 --> 00:05:42,574 - I saw police on top of a man, had wrestled him to the ground, 111 00:05:42,642 --> 00:05:45,377 And I couldn't really see anything. 112 00:05:45,445 --> 00:05:49,315 - We looked at footage from that day with del wilber. 113 00:05:49,383 --> 00:05:51,516 - That's a secret service agent with an uzi. 114 00:05:51,585 --> 00:05:52,717 - Get out of the way! 115 00:05:52,786 --> 00:05:53,785 - And that's hinckley. 116 00:05:53,787 --> 00:05:57,323 So they're hustling him over to this car. 117 00:05:57,391 --> 00:06:01,126 - President reagan's son, ron, was in lincoln, nebraska, 118 00:06:01,128 --> 00:06:03,662 When he was told about the shooting. 119 00:06:03,664 --> 00:06:05,931 - I see across the room a secret service man 120 00:06:05,933 --> 00:06:07,132 Coming towards me. 121 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:09,401 And he very quietly told my wife and I that that, 122 00:06:09,403 --> 00:06:12,203 Uh, that shots had been fired. 123 00:06:12,272 --> 00:06:13,805 They didn't think he was hit. 124 00:06:13,874 --> 00:06:15,875 - We now have an announcement from the white house. 125 00:06:15,942 --> 00:06:18,877 Definitely the president was not hit. 126 00:06:18,879 --> 00:06:21,613 - But inside the presidential limo, 127 00:06:21,615 --> 00:06:24,883 A different story was playing out. 128 00:06:24,951 --> 00:06:26,419 - Reagan's increasingly complaining of pain 129 00:06:26,486 --> 00:06:29,221 In his chest, back, and inside, right here, it really hurts. 130 00:06:29,289 --> 00:06:32,023 And he pulls a napkin out of his right coat pocket 131 00:06:32,092 --> 00:06:33,893 That he had taken from the hilton, paper napkin, 132 00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:35,361 Dabs his lips, looks at it, 133 00:06:35,429 --> 00:06:37,028 And there's bright, frothy blood. 134 00:06:37,030 --> 00:06:41,566 - President reagan had been shot and his life was in danger. 135 00:06:41,568 --> 00:06:44,970 Wilbur explained exactly how he was wounded. 136 00:06:45,038 --> 00:06:47,305 - So we're watching a slow motion replay 137 00:06:47,307 --> 00:06:48,706 Of the shooting. 138 00:06:48,775 --> 00:06:50,710 And right around here, boom. 139 00:06:50,777 --> 00:06:52,311 Look how close he is. 140 00:06:52,379 --> 00:06:54,112 Look at the gun. 141 00:06:54,181 --> 00:06:55,714 And the way to reagan's clear. 142 00:06:55,716 --> 00:06:59,851 And right here, the bullet hits right there 143 00:06:59,853 --> 00:07:01,786 And gets through that little gap. 144 00:07:01,855 --> 00:07:04,190 - Through the tiny gap created by the open door 145 00:07:04,257 --> 00:07:07,993 Of the bulletproof car, hitting the president. 146 00:07:07,995 --> 00:07:10,328 An incredible fluke. 147 00:07:10,397 --> 00:07:13,665 It was hinckley's sixth and final shot. 148 00:07:13,734 --> 00:07:15,533 Secret service agents raced him 149 00:07:15,602 --> 00:07:17,769 To george washington university hospital, 150 00:07:17,838 --> 00:07:21,339 Where doctors found the bullet dangerously close 151 00:07:21,408 --> 00:07:23,675 To president reagan's heart. 152 00:07:23,744 --> 00:07:25,076 - Judy, I'm sorry to interrupt... 153 00:07:25,078 --> 00:07:28,013 - Nbc cut into woodruff's report with the news. 154 00:07:28,015 --> 00:07:30,349 - ...In front of me now are two bulletins, 155 00:07:30,417 --> 00:07:34,285 That both say president reagan was shot in the chest. 156 00:07:34,287 --> 00:07:37,088 - The president was rushed into surgery. 157 00:07:37,157 --> 00:07:39,892 Meanwhile, the fbi was desperately trying 158 00:07:39,960 --> 00:07:42,260 To find out what happened. 159 00:07:42,262 --> 00:07:45,096 Retired fbi agent, thomas baker. 160 00:07:45,098 --> 00:07:47,766 - We didn't know, was this part of a conspiracy? 161 00:07:47,768 --> 00:07:50,368 Were they're gonna be other people shot? 162 00:07:50,437 --> 00:07:52,104 - The answers would be much stranger 163 00:07:52,172 --> 00:07:56,542 And more chilling than they could possibly imagine. 164 00:07:56,609 --> 00:07:59,244 And it turned out, the clues were hiding 165 00:07:59,312 --> 00:08:02,780 In plain sight. 166 00:08:02,849 --> 00:08:07,252 - A stunned nation wonders who wanted president reagan dead, 167 00:08:07,320 --> 00:08:09,153 And why? 168 00:08:09,222 --> 00:08:10,523 - Coming up, 169 00:08:10,590 --> 00:08:12,857 The first nationally televised interview 170 00:08:12,859 --> 00:08:15,193 With a detective who questioned hinckley 171 00:08:15,262 --> 00:08:17,128 Minutes after the attack. 172 00:08:17,130 --> 00:08:18,596 - He just seemed matter of factly like 173 00:08:18,665 --> 00:08:21,065 This wasn't really a big deal. 174 00:08:21,134 --> 00:08:25,069 - Did he ask any questions about the condition 175 00:08:25,138 --> 00:08:27,672 Of the president or mr. Brady? 176 00:08:27,674 --> 00:08:30,742 - No, he never did. He never seemed concerned. 177 00:08:30,810 --> 00:08:32,845 - No remorse? - No remorse at all. 178 00:08:32,913 --> 00:08:35,814 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 179 00:08:43,690 --> 00:08:45,757 - The news was everywhere. 180 00:08:45,826 --> 00:08:50,362 President ronald reagan had been shot in washington, d.C. 181 00:08:50,430 --> 00:08:54,633 - Still is absolute confusion and a terrible sinking feeling 182 00:08:54,635 --> 00:08:58,569 That america has lived through so many times in the past. 183 00:08:58,639 --> 00:09:01,039 - President reagan and the three men shot near him 184 00:09:01,107 --> 00:09:03,374 Were all taken to nearby hospitals, 185 00:09:03,443 --> 00:09:06,377 Some with life threatening injuries. 186 00:09:06,446 --> 00:09:09,314 Brady had a catastrophic brain injury. 187 00:09:09,382 --> 00:09:11,517 Mccarthy, shot in the liver. 188 00:09:11,585 --> 00:09:15,453 Delahanty, a bullet lodged near his spine. 189 00:09:15,455 --> 00:09:19,324 And the president with one lodged only an inch 190 00:09:19,326 --> 00:09:20,391 From his heart. 191 00:09:20,460 --> 00:09:22,527 - How close did he come to dying? 192 00:09:22,595 --> 00:09:25,196 - Reagan came within a couple of minutes of dying. 193 00:09:25,265 --> 00:09:30,101 - Meanwhile, the man who shot them was in the custody 194 00:09:30,103 --> 00:09:32,872 Of the washington, d.C. Police. 195 00:09:32,939 --> 00:09:36,608 Retired homicide detective eddie myers was the first person 196 00:09:36,677 --> 00:09:38,477 To question hinckley. 197 00:09:38,545 --> 00:09:41,546 More than thirty-eight years since that day, 198 00:09:41,615 --> 00:09:45,684 This was his first national television interview. 199 00:09:45,752 --> 00:09:47,553 - He looked like a college student. 200 00:09:47,621 --> 00:09:50,888 He just didn't seem to fit the profile of what I thought 201 00:09:50,957 --> 00:09:54,425 A presidential assassin would be like. 202 00:09:54,427 --> 00:09:56,094 - What was john hinckley's demeanor 203 00:09:56,163 --> 00:09:59,097 When you were about to begin your interview? 204 00:09:59,099 --> 00:10:00,900 - He just seemed matter of factly like 205 00:10:00,967 --> 00:10:03,368 This wasn't really a big deal. 206 00:10:03,370 --> 00:10:05,838 - Myers said hinckley told him his name, 207 00:10:05,905 --> 00:10:08,306 His parents address, and the room number 208 00:10:08,375 --> 00:10:11,242 At the hotel where he had been staying. 209 00:10:11,244 --> 00:10:14,779 He also assured the detective he acted alone. 210 00:10:14,848 --> 00:10:16,581 - Did you ask him that question directly? 211 00:10:16,650 --> 00:10:17,782 - Yes, I did. 212 00:10:17,851 --> 00:10:20,451 Something to the effect of, are you by yourself? 213 00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:23,187 And he responded, "I'm with no one". 214 00:10:23,256 --> 00:10:26,858 - Did he ask any questions about the condition 215 00:10:26,926 --> 00:10:29,794 Of the president or mr. Brady? 216 00:10:29,796 --> 00:10:30,995 - No, he never did. 217 00:10:31,064 --> 00:10:32,932 He never seemed concerned. 218 00:10:32,999 --> 00:10:35,400 - No remorse? - No remorse at all. 219 00:10:35,468 --> 00:10:38,671 - Desperate for any clue or evidence that could explain 220 00:10:38,738 --> 00:10:42,407 The motive for the shooting, myers searched hinckley's wallet 221 00:10:42,475 --> 00:10:44,476 And found photos. 222 00:10:44,544 --> 00:10:46,811 - I noticed three or four of them from magazines, 223 00:10:46,880 --> 00:10:47,746 I think they were. But-- 224 00:10:47,814 --> 00:10:50,148 - Did you ask him who this person was? 225 00:10:50,217 --> 00:10:51,883 - Yeah. - And what did he say? 226 00:10:51,952 --> 00:10:53,351 - He says, "you'll find out when you get to read 227 00:10:53,420 --> 00:10:55,286 "the letter in my room". 228 00:10:55,288 --> 00:10:58,990 - At that point, myers said hinckley shut down 229 00:10:58,992 --> 00:11:00,958 And refused to say more. 230 00:11:01,027 --> 00:11:04,562 What struck him most was that hinckley seemed arrogant, 231 00:11:04,631 --> 00:11:06,298 Almost smug. 232 00:11:06,366 --> 00:11:08,566 - I said, "you're gonna be charged with attempted assassination 233 00:11:08,635 --> 00:11:10,635 "of the president of the united states". 234 00:11:10,703 --> 00:11:12,370 And as I'm writing this in my notes, 235 00:11:12,439 --> 00:11:16,374 I'm having a hard time spelling "assassination". 236 00:11:16,376 --> 00:11:18,443 And he says, "I'll spell it for you". 237 00:11:18,511 --> 00:11:22,513 - Soon after, hinckley was turned over to the fbi. 238 00:11:22,515 --> 00:11:26,719 And by evening, word of hinckley's arrest was public. 239 00:11:26,786 --> 00:11:29,787 - The man who fired the shots today has been identified 240 00:11:29,856 --> 00:11:33,858 As john warnock hinckley of evergreen, colorado. 241 00:11:33,860 --> 00:11:37,729 - I'm thinking to myself, that is so weird that the guy 242 00:11:37,797 --> 00:11:39,998 Who shot the president has the same name 243 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:42,801 As my friend john hinckley. 244 00:11:42,803 --> 00:11:46,737 - As kids, evan price, kurt dooley, and will francis 245 00:11:46,807 --> 00:11:49,141 Were friends with hinckley growing up 246 00:11:49,209 --> 00:11:51,743 In the same wealthy texas suburb. 247 00:11:51,811 --> 00:11:54,813 They didn't believe the shooter was their john 248 00:11:54,815 --> 00:11:57,348 Until they heard where he went to school. 249 00:11:57,350 --> 00:11:58,283 - I was in disbelief. 250 00:11:58,285 --> 00:12:00,017 I thought to myself, I know this guy. 251 00:12:00,086 --> 00:12:02,020 Friendly person, good natured person. 252 00:12:02,022 --> 00:12:03,621 This can't be happening. 253 00:12:03,623 --> 00:12:07,426 - It was hard for all of them to square the would-be assassin 254 00:12:07,494 --> 00:12:11,095 With the friend they had known for more than a decade. 255 00:12:11,164 --> 00:12:12,163 - Yeah, look how happy he looks. 256 00:12:12,165 --> 00:12:15,233 - He is handsome and happy and looks great. 257 00:12:15,235 --> 00:12:16,167 - Here's john. 258 00:12:16,236 --> 00:12:18,103 - They met hinckley in the sixties 259 00:12:18,171 --> 00:12:21,306 And bonded over sports and music. 260 00:12:21,374 --> 00:12:23,976 - He was a very well-liked guy. 261 00:12:24,043 --> 00:12:27,245 We would go to record shops, music stores, 262 00:12:27,313 --> 00:12:29,581 Places to have a burger. 263 00:12:29,649 --> 00:12:33,251 - At home, john hinckley was the youngest of three. 264 00:12:33,253 --> 00:12:37,121 His father, jack, the owner of an oil and gas business. 265 00:12:37,123 --> 00:12:39,924 His friends say the family seemed perfect. 266 00:12:39,993 --> 00:12:43,394 Straight out of the tv classic "leave it to beaver". 267 00:12:43,463 --> 00:12:45,129 - I would spend the night over there, 268 00:12:45,131 --> 00:12:47,466 And it was a great family. 269 00:12:47,534 --> 00:12:49,400 And she was just June cleaver. 270 00:12:49,469 --> 00:12:52,538 You would-- and his dad was more like ward. 271 00:12:52,605 --> 00:12:57,074 - So what changed for the kid who grew up with everything? 272 00:12:57,143 --> 00:12:58,609 Back in washington, 273 00:12:58,611 --> 00:13:02,146 The fbi was wondering the same thing. 274 00:13:02,215 --> 00:13:05,617 That night, agents were at the park central hotel 275 00:13:05,685 --> 00:13:08,085 Where hinckley had been staying. 276 00:13:08,154 --> 00:13:11,757 - We executed a search warrant of his hotel room. 277 00:13:11,825 --> 00:13:14,158 - Thomas baker was the agent in charge 278 00:13:14,227 --> 00:13:16,093 And oversaw the search. 279 00:13:16,162 --> 00:13:19,163 - There on the desk, we found the letter, 280 00:13:19,232 --> 00:13:21,699 The statement of why he was doing this. 281 00:13:21,768 --> 00:13:24,036 - The letter revealed that hinckley didn't try 282 00:13:24,103 --> 00:13:27,438 To kill the president for political reasons. 283 00:13:27,440 --> 00:13:31,642 He did it because of a dark and twisted obsession 284 00:13:31,711 --> 00:13:34,713 With a woman. 285 00:13:34,781 --> 00:13:36,180 - Hinckley's bombshell motive 286 00:13:36,249 --> 00:13:40,051 Thrusts a young hollywood actress into the spotlight 287 00:13:40,120 --> 00:13:44,155 And shakes the first family to its core. 288 00:13:44,224 --> 00:13:48,259 - Coming up, raw pain for the reagan family. 289 00:13:48,328 --> 00:13:51,195 - Somebody shoots your father and you're a 22-year-old guy. 290 00:13:51,264 --> 00:13:52,797 Your, you know, your first thought is, 291 00:13:52,799 --> 00:13:55,267 Let me get my hands on this-this son of a bitch. 292 00:13:55,335 --> 00:13:58,669 - And hinckley's fixation on actress jodie foster. 293 00:13:58,738 --> 00:14:01,405 - The letters were assumed to have been, you know, 294 00:14:01,474 --> 00:14:02,740 Love type letters. 295 00:14:02,809 --> 00:14:05,877 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 296 00:14:15,021 --> 00:14:16,821 - As night fell over the capital, 297 00:14:16,889 --> 00:14:20,691 The nation could finally breathe a sigh of relief. 298 00:14:20,693 --> 00:14:22,593 - President reagan tonight is reported in stable 299 00:14:22,662 --> 00:14:24,028 And good condition. 300 00:14:24,097 --> 00:14:28,499 Mccarthy, brady, and delahanty also survived surgery, 301 00:14:28,568 --> 00:14:30,901 Some miraculously. 302 00:14:30,971 --> 00:14:32,971 - Brady's surgery was very delicate 303 00:14:32,973 --> 00:14:34,572 And very complicated. 304 00:14:34,641 --> 00:14:36,975 And it took the doctor all day to stop the bleeding 305 00:14:36,977 --> 00:14:39,443 And hemorrhaging and get the-the bullet fragments 306 00:14:39,512 --> 00:14:41,245 Out of brady's brain. 307 00:14:41,314 --> 00:14:44,249 - The public still had no idea why john hinckley 308 00:14:44,317 --> 00:14:46,117 Tried to kill president reagan. 309 00:14:46,185 --> 00:14:50,388 Even the president's family hadn't been told anything. 310 00:14:50,457 --> 00:14:53,524 His son, ron, struggled with his anger. 311 00:14:53,593 --> 00:14:56,594 - Somebody shoots your father and you're a 22-year-old guy. 312 00:14:56,596 --> 00:14:57,996 Your, you know, your first thought is, 313 00:14:58,064 --> 00:15:00,598 Let me get my hands on this-this son of a bitch. 314 00:15:00,600 --> 00:15:03,134 - Were you thinking what would drive john hinckley 315 00:15:03,136 --> 00:15:04,869 To wanna kill my father? 316 00:15:04,937 --> 00:15:07,805 - Well, you figure it's either some sort of political motive, 317 00:15:07,807 --> 00:15:09,608 Or he's just crazy. 318 00:15:09,676 --> 00:15:12,343 - But fbi agents who had found that letter 319 00:15:12,412 --> 00:15:15,447 In hinckley's hotel room were learning his motives 320 00:15:15,515 --> 00:15:18,082 Weren't at all political. 321 00:15:18,084 --> 00:15:20,152 Hinckley was fueled by an obsession 322 00:15:20,219 --> 00:15:22,820 With actress jodie foster. 323 00:15:22,889 --> 00:15:26,023 The letter was written to her. 324 00:15:26,092 --> 00:15:28,759 - "dear jodie, there is a definite possibility 325 00:15:28,761 --> 00:15:31,897 "that I will be killed in my attempt to get reagan. 326 00:15:31,965 --> 00:15:33,364 "it is for this very reason 327 00:15:33,433 --> 00:15:35,433 "that I am writing you this letter now." 328 00:15:35,501 --> 00:15:39,370 - Retired fbi agent thomas baker. 329 00:15:39,439 --> 00:15:42,506 - He explained he was doing this great act of love 330 00:15:42,575 --> 00:15:44,909 To impress her and win her heart. 331 00:15:44,911 --> 00:15:47,112 - "I've got to do something now to make you understand, 332 00:15:47,180 --> 00:15:49,047 "in no uncertain terms, 333 00:15:49,049 --> 00:15:52,050 "that I am doing all of this for your sake." 334 00:15:52,118 --> 00:15:55,319 - The fbi needed to talk to foster. 335 00:15:55,321 --> 00:15:57,522 When agents arrived at yale university, 336 00:15:57,590 --> 00:16:02,326 Where she was a student, the actress was visibly upset. 337 00:16:02,395 --> 00:16:04,329 She told them that hinckley started writing her 338 00:16:04,397 --> 00:16:08,265 Soon after she arrived on campus the previous fall 339 00:16:08,334 --> 00:16:10,001 And hadn't stopped. 340 00:16:10,069 --> 00:16:12,537 - Was he threatening? What was he like? 341 00:16:12,539 --> 00:16:13,671 - I'm not allowed to say. 342 00:16:13,740 --> 00:16:15,206 - Foster held a press conference 343 00:16:15,274 --> 00:16:17,009 A few days later. 344 00:16:17,076 --> 00:16:18,809 - The letters were assumed to have been, 345 00:16:18,878 --> 00:16:20,745 You know, love type letters. 346 00:16:20,813 --> 00:16:22,881 - Have you ever seen hinckley, that you know of? 347 00:16:22,949 --> 00:16:24,682 - No, I've never-- not to my knowledge. 348 00:16:24,684 --> 00:16:26,350 I've never met him. 349 00:16:26,419 --> 00:16:29,286 - The fbi learned hinckley had told his parents 350 00:16:29,288 --> 00:16:31,756 He was attending a yale writers' program, 351 00:16:31,758 --> 00:16:33,491 But that was a lie. 352 00:16:33,559 --> 00:16:34,759 - He wasn't in any writers' program. 353 00:16:34,827 --> 00:16:37,695 He was there living in a hotel and stalking jodie foster 354 00:16:37,764 --> 00:16:39,697 And was slipping notes under her door, 355 00:16:39,766 --> 00:16:41,099 Love notes. 356 00:16:41,101 --> 00:16:43,367 - This note was left for her 357 00:16:43,369 --> 00:16:45,770 Just weeks before the shooting. 358 00:16:45,772 --> 00:16:47,571 - "jodie, goodbye. 359 00:16:47,640 --> 00:16:49,975 "I love you six trillion times. 360 00:16:50,043 --> 00:16:52,910 "don't you maybe like me just a little bit? 361 00:16:52,979 --> 00:16:55,312 "you must admit I am different. 362 00:16:55,381 --> 00:16:57,716 "it would make all of this worthwhile." 363 00:16:57,784 --> 00:17:00,251 - When did his obsession with jodie foster begin? 364 00:17:00,320 --> 00:17:02,720 - 1976. He was in l.A. 365 00:17:02,722 --> 00:17:04,989 Trying to be a songwriter, failing at it, 366 00:17:04,991 --> 00:17:06,991 And he saw the movie "taxi driver". 367 00:17:06,993 --> 00:17:08,593 He saw it more than a dozen times. 368 00:17:08,595 --> 00:17:10,061 Remember, she plays, like, a prostitute, 369 00:17:10,063 --> 00:17:12,664 Like an adolescent prostitute in the movie. 370 00:17:12,732 --> 00:17:14,465 And he became obsessed with her. 371 00:17:14,467 --> 00:17:17,001 - Robert de niro played the main character, 372 00:17:17,003 --> 00:17:18,269 Travis bickle, 373 00:17:18,337 --> 00:17:20,471 A socially awkward taxi driver 374 00:17:20,540 --> 00:17:23,874 Who plans to kill a presidential candidate. 375 00:17:23,943 --> 00:17:25,409 - He completely identified with bickle. 376 00:17:25,478 --> 00:17:26,877 He thought that he was gonna shoot reagan 377 00:17:26,946 --> 00:17:29,013 And die in a hail of secret service bullets, 378 00:17:29,081 --> 00:17:31,549 Just as bickle thought he would. 379 00:17:31,618 --> 00:17:34,351 - But investigators quickly discovered 380 00:17:34,420 --> 00:17:37,688 Hinckley considered other options first, 381 00:17:37,757 --> 00:17:41,559 Like hijacking a plane and even killing the woman 382 00:17:41,627 --> 00:17:43,160 He claimed to love. 383 00:17:43,229 --> 00:17:45,696 - His plan was to kill jodie foster, 384 00:17:45,765 --> 00:17:47,031 Shoot her, shoot himself, 385 00:17:47,033 --> 00:17:48,766 Or kill himself in front of her. 386 00:17:48,768 --> 00:17:50,836 - Hinckley's lawyers thought all of this 387 00:17:50,903 --> 00:17:54,505 Could be the basis of an insanity defense. 388 00:17:54,574 --> 00:17:55,907 - Dr. Carpenter was excused... 389 00:17:55,975 --> 00:17:58,909 - And they hired psychiatrist william carpenter 390 00:17:58,978 --> 00:18:00,644 In the hopes he'd provide testimony 391 00:18:00,713 --> 00:18:03,080 That would convince a jury. 392 00:18:03,149 --> 00:18:05,083 Carpenter met with hinckley for months 393 00:18:05,152 --> 00:18:07,818 And charted his unraveling. 394 00:18:07,887 --> 00:18:10,855 - What was his relationship like with his parents? 395 00:18:10,923 --> 00:18:13,724 - There wasn't anything that seemed like 396 00:18:13,793 --> 00:18:17,796 Childhood neglect or trauma. 397 00:18:17,864 --> 00:18:19,196 - But carpenter learned 398 00:18:19,265 --> 00:18:22,266 Hinckley started to withdraw from friends in high school, 399 00:18:22,268 --> 00:18:26,337 And then completely isolated himself in college. 400 00:18:26,406 --> 00:18:27,872 His parents were worried 401 00:18:27,874 --> 00:18:30,141 And took him to see a psychiatrist 402 00:18:30,209 --> 00:18:33,011 Who told them hinckley was simply immature 403 00:18:33,079 --> 00:18:34,812 And needed tough love. 404 00:18:34,881 --> 00:18:37,481 - More than once, they'd kind of cut him off. 405 00:18:37,483 --> 00:18:39,518 - The strategy backfired. 406 00:18:39,585 --> 00:18:42,686 Hinckley's hopelessness showed in his poems, 407 00:18:42,755 --> 00:18:44,755 Songs, and journals. 408 00:18:44,824 --> 00:18:48,425 - They're kind of dark, anticipatory things in it. 409 00:18:48,494 --> 00:18:50,561 And it is certainly compatible 410 00:18:50,630 --> 00:18:53,430 With an unhappy and lonely life. 411 00:18:53,499 --> 00:18:56,167 - In hinckley's poem, "guns are fun!", 412 00:18:56,235 --> 00:18:59,303 The foreshadowing of the shooting is clear. 413 00:18:59,372 --> 00:19:01,572 - "if I wish, the president will fall 414 00:19:01,641 --> 00:19:04,442 "and the world will look at me in disbelief." 415 00:19:04,444 --> 00:19:06,577 - By the end of his evaluation, 416 00:19:06,646 --> 00:19:10,848 Carpenter concluded hinckley was legally insane. 417 00:19:10,850 --> 00:19:12,384 - His official diagnosis? 418 00:19:12,451 --> 00:19:14,519 - In the diagnostic codes that we use, 419 00:19:14,587 --> 00:19:18,055 The most suitable one would be schizophrenia. 420 00:19:18,124 --> 00:19:21,592 - But could the defense convince a jury? 421 00:19:21,661 --> 00:19:24,328 The prosecution had their own experts 422 00:19:24,397 --> 00:19:28,732 And planned to argue hinckley was perfectly sane. 423 00:19:28,801 --> 00:19:30,402 - He was legally sane 424 00:19:30,469 --> 00:19:34,071 Because he knew it was wrong, 425 00:19:34,073 --> 00:19:36,874 Because he knew he was shooting at humans 426 00:19:36,943 --> 00:19:39,143 In a way that could harm them. 427 00:19:39,212 --> 00:19:41,613 - The trial would be a seven week battle 428 00:19:41,681 --> 00:19:43,013 Of the experts 429 00:19:43,015 --> 00:19:46,183 Over whether hinckley was sane or not. 430 00:19:46,252 --> 00:19:48,953 Potential answers to that question 431 00:19:49,021 --> 00:19:53,157 Were buried in a remarkable diary that hinckley wrote 432 00:19:53,226 --> 00:19:55,059 And that "dateline" uncovered. 433 00:19:58,564 --> 00:20:00,832 - We recovered news footage of carter 434 00:20:00,900 --> 00:20:02,834 At different rallies in the fall 435 00:20:02,902 --> 00:20:04,168 During the election 436 00:20:04,237 --> 00:20:06,036 Where hinckley's in the crowd. 437 00:20:06,105 --> 00:20:08,005 - Evidence that ronald reagan 438 00:20:08,074 --> 00:20:10,574 Wasn't hinckley's only target. 439 00:20:10,643 --> 00:20:13,711 - John hinckley had plans to kill 440 00:20:13,713 --> 00:20:15,814 President jimmy carter? - Yes. 441 00:20:15,881 --> 00:20:18,917 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 442 00:20:22,454 --> 00:20:26,925 ♪♪ 443 00:20:26,992 --> 00:20:29,593 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 444 00:20:29,595 --> 00:20:30,928 I'm craig melvin. 445 00:20:30,997 --> 00:20:34,331 Was john hinckley jr. Legally insane 446 00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:36,201 When he shot president reagan? 447 00:20:36,269 --> 00:20:38,536 A jury would have to answer that question, 448 00:20:38,538 --> 00:20:43,073 But we now have insight those jurors did not. 449 00:20:43,075 --> 00:20:44,743 An astonishing document 450 00:20:44,810 --> 00:20:47,012 Written in hinckley's own hand 451 00:20:47,079 --> 00:20:50,081 That is finally seeing the light of day. 452 00:20:50,149 --> 00:20:51,482 Back to troy roberts with: 453 00:20:51,484 --> 00:20:57,287 "hinckley: Diary of a dangerous mind". 454 00:20:57,357 --> 00:20:59,289 - On the night he was arrested, 455 00:20:59,359 --> 00:21:02,560 Hours after trying to kill the president, 456 00:21:02,562 --> 00:21:05,829 John hinckley began to keep a diary. 457 00:21:05,898 --> 00:21:07,966 - "March 30th, 1981, 458 00:21:08,034 --> 00:21:10,034 "rushed to dc police headquarters, 459 00:21:10,102 --> 00:21:12,637 "spent three hours handcuffed to desk." 460 00:21:12,705 --> 00:21:16,106 - He would continue writing in it for fourteen months, 461 00:21:16,175 --> 00:21:18,876 Up to and through his trial. 462 00:21:18,945 --> 00:21:20,378 Uncovered by "dateline", 463 00:21:20,446 --> 00:21:23,415 The diary is a remarkable insight 464 00:21:23,482 --> 00:21:25,983 Into hinckley's troubled mind. 465 00:21:26,052 --> 00:21:28,586 - "I have such an empty, sad feeling. 466 00:21:28,588 --> 00:21:30,054 "where are you, jodie?" 467 00:21:30,122 --> 00:21:31,488 - Hinckley titled it: 468 00:21:31,557 --> 00:21:34,792 "the diary of a person we all know". 469 00:21:34,861 --> 00:21:38,295 At times it's a chronicle of despair. 470 00:21:38,364 --> 00:21:41,131 - "why go on? I'm immortally infamous. 471 00:21:41,133 --> 00:21:43,133 "equal to john wilkes booth. 472 00:21:43,135 --> 00:21:44,601 "but I've had enough." 473 00:21:44,670 --> 00:21:46,470 - Days after that entry, 474 00:21:46,472 --> 00:21:49,139 Hinckley tried to take his own life, 475 00:21:49,141 --> 00:21:52,143 His second attempt. After he recovered, 476 00:21:52,211 --> 00:21:54,211 He seemed to have a moment of clarity 477 00:21:54,213 --> 00:21:55,614 About the shooting. 478 00:21:55,681 --> 00:21:57,815 - "there are many times when I thoroughly regret 479 00:21:57,817 --> 00:22:00,017 "the incident, and then many times 480 00:22:00,086 --> 00:22:01,886 "when I think about what I have accomplished 481 00:22:01,954 --> 00:22:03,954 "and feel satisfied." 482 00:22:04,023 --> 00:22:07,891 - But by the spring of 1982, hinckley seemed ready, 483 00:22:07,960 --> 00:22:12,029 Almost giddy, for the nation to hear his story. 484 00:22:12,098 --> 00:22:14,832 - "everyone is excited now. I'm a little excited. 485 00:22:14,901 --> 00:22:16,233 "let's get it on. 486 00:22:16,302 --> 00:22:18,570 "it will be a miracle and nothing short of a miracle 487 00:22:18,637 --> 00:22:20,838 "if I'm found not guilty." 488 00:22:20,907 --> 00:22:23,040 - A year had passed since the shooting, 489 00:22:23,042 --> 00:22:24,843 But the damage hinckley caused 490 00:22:24,910 --> 00:22:27,845 Was still fresh in people's minds. 491 00:22:27,847 --> 00:22:29,580 - He could have changed the course of history. 492 00:22:29,582 --> 00:22:30,647 - Absolutely. 493 00:22:30,716 --> 00:22:34,451 This foolish, unstable young man 494 00:22:34,520 --> 00:22:36,321 Could have changed the course of history. 495 00:22:36,389 --> 00:22:39,257 - President reagan and secret service agent mccarthy 496 00:22:39,325 --> 00:22:42,994 Took weeks to fully recover from their injuries, 497 00:22:43,062 --> 00:22:45,863 While officer delahanty suffered permanent 498 00:22:45,865 --> 00:22:49,467 Nerve damage that forced him to retire early. 499 00:22:49,469 --> 00:22:52,536 But it was james brady who suffered the most. 500 00:22:52,538 --> 00:22:55,806 His brain injuries caused permanent paralysis 501 00:22:55,875 --> 00:22:57,409 And severe challenges 502 00:22:57,476 --> 00:23:00,345 For the remainder of his life. 503 00:23:00,413 --> 00:23:04,082 As testimony began, both sides knew the defense 504 00:23:04,150 --> 00:23:05,616 Had the advantage. 505 00:23:05,618 --> 00:23:08,887 The law stated they didn't have to prove a thing. 506 00:23:08,954 --> 00:23:12,557 Nbc news legal analyst danny cevallos. 507 00:23:12,625 --> 00:23:14,425 - At the time of the hinckley trial, 508 00:23:14,493 --> 00:23:16,494 The prosecution had the burden 509 00:23:16,562 --> 00:23:18,429 To prove each and every element of the crime, 510 00:23:18,497 --> 00:23:21,499 Including the defendant's sanity. 511 00:23:21,501 --> 00:23:23,702 - The prosecution began by showing jurors 512 00:23:23,769 --> 00:23:27,638 Footage of the shooting. 513 00:23:27,640 --> 00:23:30,240 They argued hinckley was not mentally ill 514 00:23:30,309 --> 00:23:32,009 When he pulled the trigger. 515 00:23:32,078 --> 00:23:34,311 Just a sad, narcissistic loner 516 00:23:34,380 --> 00:23:37,481 Fixated on achieving worldwide fame. 517 00:23:37,551 --> 00:23:40,517 Lead psychiatrist dr. Park dietz. 518 00:23:40,586 --> 00:23:43,587 - He told me that his goal was to be on the cover 519 00:23:43,656 --> 00:23:45,590 Of "time" magazine. 520 00:23:45,658 --> 00:23:48,793 - And hinckley's fixation on the film "taxi driver"? 521 00:23:48,861 --> 00:23:52,663 Prosecutors argued it didn't mean he was insane. 522 00:23:52,732 --> 00:23:55,999 The movie's plot was merely inspirational. 523 00:23:56,068 --> 00:23:58,135 - He was already interested 524 00:23:58,204 --> 00:24:01,004 In committing some high-profile crime. 525 00:24:01,073 --> 00:24:04,141 He fell upon "taxi driver", 526 00:24:04,210 --> 00:24:07,344 And he did try to imitate aspects of it. 527 00:24:07,413 --> 00:24:10,415 - And his diary revealed hinckley thought the trial 528 00:24:10,483 --> 00:24:14,218 Was the perfect stage for his story. 529 00:24:14,220 --> 00:24:15,619 - "jodie, jodie, 530 00:24:15,688 --> 00:24:17,354 "everyone in the whole wide world 531 00:24:17,423 --> 00:24:18,755 "knows about us. 532 00:24:18,824 --> 00:24:20,825 "I think what I did was worth it." 533 00:24:20,893 --> 00:24:22,693 - In the courtroom, prosecutors argued 534 00:24:22,762 --> 00:24:25,729 Hinckley knew exactly what he was doing 535 00:24:25,731 --> 00:24:27,197 When he shot the president, 536 00:24:27,266 --> 00:24:29,634 That it was a premeditated plan 537 00:24:29,702 --> 00:24:31,702 Months in the making. 538 00:24:31,770 --> 00:24:34,705 And originally with a different target. 539 00:24:34,774 --> 00:24:36,306 - He actually had been stalking 540 00:24:36,375 --> 00:24:39,010 The previous president, jimmy carter. 541 00:24:39,078 --> 00:24:42,313 - In the fall of 1980, hinckley bought guns, 542 00:24:42,381 --> 00:24:45,015 Went target shooting, and followed carter 543 00:24:45,084 --> 00:24:46,517 On the campaign trail. 544 00:24:46,585 --> 00:24:49,788 - We recovered news footage of carter at different rallies 545 00:24:49,855 --> 00:24:52,122 In the fall during the election 546 00:24:52,124 --> 00:24:53,724 Where hinckley is in the crowd. 547 00:24:53,792 --> 00:24:56,927 - John hinckley had plans to kill 548 00:24:56,996 --> 00:24:58,796 President jimmy carter? - Yes. 549 00:24:58,798 --> 00:25:00,999 And it just never worked out for him, 550 00:25:01,066 --> 00:25:02,666 So then he switched his attention 551 00:25:02,668 --> 00:25:06,136 To president reagan after he became president. 552 00:25:06,205 --> 00:25:08,338 - When it was the defense team's turn, 553 00:25:08,407 --> 00:25:10,941 They told jurors hinckley did not understand 554 00:25:11,010 --> 00:25:12,877 These violent actions were wrong 555 00:25:12,945 --> 00:25:15,479 Because his judgment was impaired 556 00:25:15,547 --> 00:25:17,682 By schizophrenic delusions. 557 00:25:17,750 --> 00:25:21,018 - The only meaningful thing in his life 558 00:25:21,087 --> 00:25:25,423 Is his delusional attachment with jodie foster. 559 00:25:25,491 --> 00:25:28,025 - Dr. Carpenter testified hinckley created 560 00:25:28,027 --> 00:25:30,294 An entire fantasy world 561 00:25:30,296 --> 00:25:32,363 Where that attachment could exist. 562 00:25:32,431 --> 00:25:35,899 - He developed this grandiose view 563 00:25:35,901 --> 00:25:39,303 Of jodie and him as a couple. 564 00:25:39,371 --> 00:25:40,638 He thought this is something 565 00:25:40,706 --> 00:25:42,639 That everybody should know about, 566 00:25:42,708 --> 00:25:44,642 Killing carter, killing reagan. 567 00:25:44,710 --> 00:25:48,979 He needed something that would call attention to this. 568 00:25:49,048 --> 00:25:51,182 - And his attempts to connect with foster 569 00:25:51,250 --> 00:25:53,585 Were his way of trying to convince her 570 00:25:53,652 --> 00:25:55,385 They were meant to be. 571 00:25:55,454 --> 00:25:58,188 The defense had jurors listen to a phone call 572 00:25:58,190 --> 00:26:00,624 Hinckley recorded between himself and the actress. 573 00:26:16,675 --> 00:26:18,609 - Jodie foster did not appear at trial, 574 00:26:18,677 --> 00:26:22,279 But her testimony was videotaped weeks earlier. 575 00:26:22,348 --> 00:26:25,416 Hinckley was present for it and for the first time 576 00:26:25,484 --> 00:26:29,487 Came face to face with the object of his obsession. 577 00:26:29,555 --> 00:26:32,122 Only a transcript was released to the media. 578 00:26:41,167 --> 00:26:43,834 - Her words infuriated him. 579 00:26:43,902 --> 00:26:45,503 In his diary that night, 580 00:26:45,571 --> 00:26:47,637 He wrote that he threw a pen at her 581 00:26:47,707 --> 00:26:50,774 And shouted, "jodie, I'm still gonna kill you". 582 00:26:50,776 --> 00:26:52,242 He went on to write... 583 00:26:52,244 --> 00:26:54,678 - "oh my god, what have I done? 584 00:26:54,747 --> 00:26:56,814 "I'm insane, aren't I? 585 00:26:56,816 --> 00:26:58,316 "I went too far this morning. 586 00:26:58,384 --> 00:26:59,983 "everyone is angry with me. 587 00:26:59,985 --> 00:27:01,386 "jodie hates me. 588 00:27:01,453 --> 00:27:05,122 "oh, I'm so famous, but I'm so damn miserable." 589 00:27:05,191 --> 00:27:06,657 - Would the jury find hinckley 590 00:27:06,659 --> 00:27:09,660 A calculating would-be killer? 591 00:27:09,729 --> 00:27:13,264 Or a mad man who couldn't tell right from wrong? 592 00:27:13,332 --> 00:27:15,098 - Why didn't you render the decision... 593 00:27:15,167 --> 00:27:18,235 - Their verdict would leave the nation outraged. 594 00:27:22,374 --> 00:27:23,907 - You were confident the jurors 595 00:27:23,909 --> 00:27:25,677 Were gonna see things your way? 596 00:27:25,744 --> 00:27:30,080 - Yes. I didn't for a moment think it could be otherwise. 597 00:27:30,149 --> 00:27:31,416 - The jury speaks. 598 00:27:31,483 --> 00:27:33,284 - To say america was shocked by the hinckley verdict 599 00:27:33,352 --> 00:27:34,751 Is an understatement. 600 00:27:34,820 --> 00:27:37,822 - And then, hinckley makes a connection 601 00:27:37,890 --> 00:27:39,657 With a serial killer. 602 00:27:39,726 --> 00:27:42,560 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 603 00:27:45,430 --> 00:27:51,668 ♪♪ 604 00:27:51,670 --> 00:27:54,438 - The jury in the john hinckley jr. Case 605 00:27:54,440 --> 00:27:55,972 Was sequestered, 606 00:27:56,041 --> 00:27:59,976 Deliberating for days with no sign of a verdict. 607 00:28:00,045 --> 00:28:01,312 Despite the wait, 608 00:28:01,380 --> 00:28:05,149 The prosecution's lead psychiatrist wasn't worried. 609 00:28:05,217 --> 00:28:06,450 - You were confident 610 00:28:06,518 --> 00:28:08,985 The jurors were gonna see things your way? 611 00:28:09,054 --> 00:28:12,723 - Yes. I didn't for a moment think it could be otherwise. 612 00:28:12,791 --> 00:28:16,326 - By the fourth day, the verdict was in. 613 00:28:16,328 --> 00:28:17,727 - The verdict on john hinckley, 614 00:28:17,797 --> 00:28:19,729 Not guilty by reason of insanity, 615 00:28:19,799 --> 00:28:21,466 Turned the country upside down today, 616 00:28:21,533 --> 00:28:24,201 Unleashing anger, outrage, disbelief, 617 00:28:24,203 --> 00:28:26,036 But very little praise. 618 00:28:26,038 --> 00:28:26,804 - I was shocked. 619 00:28:26,872 --> 00:28:29,139 We could not wrap our heads around 620 00:28:29,141 --> 00:28:32,342 How a jury could get it so wrong. 621 00:28:32,344 --> 00:28:34,411 - To say america was shocked by the hinckley verdict 622 00:28:34,480 --> 00:28:37,814 Is an understatement. They were furious! 623 00:28:37,883 --> 00:28:42,419 - I think the outcome so far was outrageous. 624 00:28:42,488 --> 00:28:45,689 - But not everyone was up in arms. 625 00:28:45,691 --> 00:28:47,491 Surprisingly, president reagan 626 00:28:47,559 --> 00:28:49,693 Had found peace with hinckley. 627 00:28:49,761 --> 00:28:53,697 - My father had forgiven him already, long before. 628 00:28:53,765 --> 00:28:56,567 Within a day or so of being shot, 629 00:28:56,635 --> 00:28:57,701 He had forgiven. 630 00:28:57,769 --> 00:28:59,703 - Within a day or so? - Yes. 631 00:28:59,771 --> 00:29:01,438 - My mother, on the other hand, 632 00:29:01,440 --> 00:29:03,106 She'd have killed him if she could have 633 00:29:03,175 --> 00:29:04,374 Gotten her hands on him. 634 00:29:04,443 --> 00:29:06,577 But my father had forgiven him already. 635 00:29:06,645 --> 00:29:09,113 He just said that he knew he had to. 636 00:29:09,181 --> 00:29:10,914 Hinckley celebrated the verdict 637 00:29:10,983 --> 00:29:14,184 In the final entry of his diary. 638 00:29:14,254 --> 00:29:15,686 - "no one can believe it. 639 00:29:15,755 --> 00:29:16,853 "it's all over. 640 00:29:16,922 --> 00:29:18,655 "I'm not responsible for shooting the president 641 00:29:18,724 --> 00:29:20,123 "and three others. 642 00:29:20,192 --> 00:29:23,393 "what must jodie foster be thinking right now? 643 00:29:23,462 --> 00:29:25,462 - But the verdict didn't mean hinckley 644 00:29:25,464 --> 00:29:28,131 Was completely off the hook. 645 00:29:28,133 --> 00:29:30,767 - You're going to a treatment facility. 646 00:29:30,836 --> 00:29:34,805 And only when you are better will you be released. 647 00:29:34,873 --> 00:29:37,008 - Hinckley was sent to saint elizabeth's hospital 648 00:29:37,075 --> 00:29:38,942 In washington, d.C., 649 00:29:39,011 --> 00:29:41,211 One of the oldest psychiatric institutions 650 00:29:41,280 --> 00:29:42,679 In the country, 651 00:29:42,681 --> 00:29:47,217 And put on an intense regimen of counseling and medication, 652 00:29:47,219 --> 00:29:49,753 Including antipsychotic drugs. 653 00:29:49,755 --> 00:29:51,555 Over time, he seemed to change. 654 00:29:51,557 --> 00:29:55,425 And part of the reason for that was a woman. 655 00:29:55,494 --> 00:29:58,829 - John and leslie met at a Halloween party. 656 00:29:58,831 --> 00:30:01,631 Leslie devoe was her name, 657 00:30:01,633 --> 00:30:04,901 And she was a fellow patient at saint elizabeth's. 658 00:30:04,970 --> 00:30:07,237 Writer elsa walsh interviewed devoe 659 00:30:07,239 --> 00:30:09,472 Years later for "the new yorker" magazine 660 00:30:09,541 --> 00:30:12,576 About her romantic relationship with hinckley. 661 00:30:12,644 --> 00:30:15,979 - Leslie devoe was described by neighbors 662 00:30:16,048 --> 00:30:18,448 And families and friends, even her ex-husband, 663 00:30:18,517 --> 00:30:20,317 As a wonderful, perfect mother. 664 00:30:20,385 --> 00:30:22,386 And she had killed her child. 665 00:30:22,454 --> 00:30:24,988 - Devoe was also found not guilty 666 00:30:24,990 --> 00:30:28,458 By reason of insanity for her horrifying crime, 667 00:30:28,527 --> 00:30:31,061 And sent to the psychiatric hospital. 668 00:30:31,130 --> 00:30:34,731 Today, the old grounds are closed. 669 00:30:34,733 --> 00:30:36,667 Buildings abandoned. 670 00:30:36,735 --> 00:30:40,070 - What was it like when you came here the first time? 671 00:30:40,072 --> 00:30:42,606 - You know, it was clearly very different from it is now. 672 00:30:42,674 --> 00:30:44,341 You didn't have a lot of broken windows. 673 00:30:44,409 --> 00:30:49,079 But leslie and john used to communicate from a window, 674 00:30:49,148 --> 00:30:51,414 Not this building, but a very similar one, 675 00:30:51,483 --> 00:30:53,883 Three floors up where he was. 676 00:30:53,953 --> 00:30:57,221 - Devoe was more than a decade older than hinckley, 677 00:30:57,289 --> 00:31:00,690 And like him, came from an upper middle class background 678 00:31:00,759 --> 00:31:02,359 And was educated. 679 00:31:02,427 --> 00:31:05,762 When they met, devoe didn't know who hinckley was. 680 00:31:05,831 --> 00:31:08,498 And when he told her, she didn't care. 681 00:31:08,567 --> 00:31:11,435 - She said to me, "what I did was so much worse 682 00:31:11,437 --> 00:31:12,836 "than what john did. 683 00:31:12,905 --> 00:31:15,373 I killed my child." 684 00:31:15,440 --> 00:31:17,909 - They found young erin dead in an upstairs bedroom 685 00:31:17,976 --> 00:31:19,442 Of the family home. 686 00:31:19,511 --> 00:31:22,579 - One morning, devoe had taken her husband's shotgun, 687 00:31:22,648 --> 00:31:25,182 Shot and killed her 10-year-old daughter, erin, 688 00:31:25,184 --> 00:31:28,385 As she slept, then shot herself. 689 00:31:28,387 --> 00:31:30,720 Devoe's injuries were so severe, 690 00:31:30,789 --> 00:31:33,857 Doctors had to amputate her left arm. 691 00:31:33,859 --> 00:31:37,327 She told walsh she never understood people's shock 692 00:31:37,396 --> 00:31:39,996 Over her love for hinckley. 693 00:31:40,065 --> 00:31:42,532 - So when people sort of wonder, like, 694 00:31:42,534 --> 00:31:45,468 Why would I have a relationship with him? 695 00:31:45,537 --> 00:31:48,339 You know, why would he have a relationship with me? 696 00:31:48,407 --> 00:31:50,608 - In the beginning, they left secret notes 697 00:31:50,676 --> 00:31:52,877 For each other in the cafeteria, 698 00:31:52,945 --> 00:31:56,146 Talked at chaperone events or by the window. 699 00:31:56,148 --> 00:31:59,749 But by the following year, hinckley was in love 700 00:31:59,818 --> 00:32:03,753 And did something no one ever expected, he proposed. 701 00:32:03,822 --> 00:32:05,890 And devoe accepted. 702 00:32:05,892 --> 00:32:09,225 Walsh says they became each other's confidants, 703 00:32:09,294 --> 00:32:13,230 Hinckley trusting her with his darkest moments. 704 00:32:13,232 --> 00:32:15,700 - And she said he went through this terrible period 705 00:32:15,767 --> 00:32:19,303 Of feeling enormous shame and guilt. 706 00:32:19,371 --> 00:32:21,571 - How's it going, mr. Brady? Doing well today? 707 00:32:21,640 --> 00:32:23,106 - Particularly when he would see brady, 708 00:32:23,175 --> 00:32:25,375 The press secretary he had shot. 709 00:32:25,377 --> 00:32:27,777 - After three years of treatment, 710 00:32:27,779 --> 00:32:30,180 Devoe was released from saint elizabeth's, 711 00:32:30,182 --> 00:32:32,116 But got a job at the hospital 712 00:32:32,184 --> 00:32:34,652 So hinckley still saw her regularly. 713 00:32:34,720 --> 00:32:37,521 - The staff at the mental hospital 714 00:32:37,523 --> 00:32:40,590 Condoned this relationship, even supported it? 715 00:32:40,592 --> 00:32:42,459 - Initially yes, they did, 716 00:32:42,461 --> 00:32:46,796 Because they saw it as a healthy growth. 717 00:32:46,865 --> 00:32:50,067 - But the staff learned hinckley was also in 718 00:32:50,069 --> 00:32:52,936 An astonishing relationship with someone else. 719 00:32:53,005 --> 00:32:55,939 A relationship that raised serious questions 720 00:32:55,941 --> 00:32:57,607 About his progress. 721 00:32:57,676 --> 00:33:00,844 It was the notorious serial killer and rapist, 722 00:33:00,912 --> 00:33:04,682 Ted bundy, who was on death row in florida. 723 00:33:04,750 --> 00:33:07,283 Bundy sent this letter to hinckley. 724 00:33:07,352 --> 00:33:10,754 - Dear john, I think we've got something going here, john. 725 00:33:10,822 --> 00:33:12,355 It's always a pleasure to find someone 726 00:33:12,357 --> 00:33:14,491 I feel comfortable writing. 727 00:33:14,559 --> 00:33:16,027 - The secret service discovered 728 00:33:16,094 --> 00:33:18,762 Hinckley started the correspondence, 729 00:33:18,764 --> 00:33:22,232 And the two men had been writing each other for months. 730 00:33:22,300 --> 00:33:25,102 Hinckley wrote this one to bundy. 731 00:33:25,170 --> 00:33:27,837 - Dear ted, I read about your new death order. 732 00:33:27,906 --> 00:33:29,172 It really upsets me, 733 00:33:29,174 --> 00:33:31,107 Because I'm against the death penalty 734 00:33:31,176 --> 00:33:33,243 And I value you as a friend. 735 00:33:33,312 --> 00:33:34,711 - Hinckley wrote a letter... 736 00:33:34,780 --> 00:33:37,447 - Doctors became more concerned after learning 737 00:33:37,516 --> 00:33:41,184 Hinckley still seemed to be obsessed with jodie foster 738 00:33:41,186 --> 00:33:44,521 And had some 20 photos of her in his room. 739 00:33:44,589 --> 00:33:46,389 He'd also considered writing 740 00:33:46,391 --> 00:33:48,792 To convicted killer charles manson 741 00:33:48,794 --> 00:33:51,262 And did receive a letter from manson disciple 742 00:33:51,329 --> 00:33:53,263 Lynette "squeaky" fromme, 743 00:33:53,332 --> 00:33:58,468 Who tried to assassinate president gerald ford in 1975. 744 00:33:58,537 --> 00:34:01,538 Despite the letters, after four years, 745 00:34:01,607 --> 00:34:03,407 The hospital trusted hinckley enough 746 00:34:03,475 --> 00:34:05,475 To let him leave his building 747 00:34:05,477 --> 00:34:07,410 And roam the grounds freely. 748 00:34:07,479 --> 00:34:09,746 He and devoe were still engaged, 749 00:34:09,815 --> 00:34:13,083 And could walk outside together and have privacy. 750 00:34:13,085 --> 00:34:15,920 - She said they went up to this little spot on a hill. 751 00:34:15,987 --> 00:34:17,754 They didn't have sex the first time there, 752 00:34:17,756 --> 00:34:20,491 But said soon after that they did. 753 00:34:20,559 --> 00:34:21,891 And she said-- - on the ground? 754 00:34:21,960 --> 00:34:23,093 - On the ground. 755 00:34:23,161 --> 00:34:25,563 - Just a few years later, hinckley went to court 756 00:34:25,630 --> 00:34:28,097 To make a bid for more freedom. 757 00:34:28,167 --> 00:34:31,968 But would a judge allow a man who stalked two presidents 758 00:34:32,037 --> 00:34:34,270 And tried to kill one of them, 759 00:34:34,339 --> 00:34:36,372 Back into society? 760 00:34:36,441 --> 00:34:38,442 - He shouldn't be allowed to just roam around 761 00:34:38,510 --> 00:34:40,343 All on his lonesome out there. 762 00:34:40,345 --> 00:34:42,380 He's a potentially dangerous character. 763 00:34:42,447 --> 00:34:43,547 He's proven that. 764 00:34:46,285 --> 00:34:48,718 - The eye popping gated community 765 00:34:48,787 --> 00:34:51,654 Where hinckley proposed to live. 766 00:34:51,723 --> 00:34:53,523 - Who's played on that tee is people like 767 00:34:53,525 --> 00:34:57,861 President barack obama, former president clinton, 768 00:34:57,929 --> 00:35:00,530 And this fellow's only 50 feet away. 769 00:35:00,599 --> 00:35:04,301 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 770 00:35:07,539 --> 00:35:12,942 ♪♪ 771 00:35:13,011 --> 00:35:17,847 - In 1997, john hinckley jr. Was back in court, 772 00:35:17,916 --> 00:35:21,551 This time fighting for a bit of freedom. 773 00:35:21,553 --> 00:35:24,687 He spent 15 years at a psychiatric hospital 774 00:35:24,756 --> 00:35:27,223 And believed he was a changed man. 775 00:35:27,292 --> 00:35:29,826 His parents believed it, too. 776 00:35:29,895 --> 00:35:31,895 - John's whole demeanor has changed, 777 00:35:31,963 --> 00:35:36,834 And he's a more open, um, loving person. 778 00:35:36,902 --> 00:35:40,304 - To them, hinckley was no criminal. 779 00:35:40,372 --> 00:35:43,240 He was being treated for mental illness 780 00:35:43,308 --> 00:35:45,308 And deserved compassion. 781 00:35:45,310 --> 00:35:47,444 - He wasn't a sniper on a rooftop 782 00:35:47,446 --> 00:35:49,045 Or a religious fanatic. 783 00:35:49,114 --> 00:35:50,914 He was just a pathetic figure 784 00:35:50,982 --> 00:35:54,384 Trying to impress a movie star he never met. 785 00:35:54,386 --> 00:35:56,587 - After so many years of treatment, 786 00:35:56,655 --> 00:35:59,055 He wanted permission to visit his family 787 00:35:59,124 --> 00:36:00,924 Off hospital grounds. 788 00:36:00,926 --> 00:36:02,592 Hinckley's doctors told the court 789 00:36:02,661 --> 00:36:05,795 His psychosis and depression were in remission 790 00:36:05,864 --> 00:36:07,530 And had been for years. 791 00:36:07,532 --> 00:36:10,800 - I think what they observed is that he was less preoccupied 792 00:36:10,869 --> 00:36:13,937 With the psychotic delusions. 793 00:36:14,005 --> 00:36:17,340 - But federal prosecutors didn't buy it. 794 00:36:17,409 --> 00:36:21,145 They believed hinckley was still a threat to society 795 00:36:21,213 --> 00:36:23,880 And had evidence to prove it. 796 00:36:23,949 --> 00:36:26,082 A hospital pharmacist complained 797 00:36:26,151 --> 00:36:28,619 That hinckley was stalking her. 798 00:36:28,687 --> 00:36:30,420 - He would go over to her office 799 00:36:30,488 --> 00:36:31,689 And they'd chat and talk. 800 00:36:31,756 --> 00:36:34,424 And then he started bugging her. 801 00:36:34,492 --> 00:36:36,826 He'd come every day or he'd call. 802 00:36:36,828 --> 00:36:39,362 - The judge denied hinckley's request, 803 00:36:39,364 --> 00:36:42,432 And he lost any chance of leaving the hospital grounds 804 00:36:42,500 --> 00:36:44,101 For a long time. 805 00:36:44,169 --> 00:36:48,705 But by 2003, he had stayed out of trouble for years, 806 00:36:48,707 --> 00:36:51,040 And his doctors felt he was ready 807 00:36:51,109 --> 00:36:53,910 To inch back into society. 808 00:36:53,979 --> 00:36:56,914 - They began gradually, just one day out in the city. 809 00:36:56,982 --> 00:36:59,916 - By 2006, hinckley's treatment team 810 00:36:59,985 --> 00:37:02,852 Had recommended he be allowed to stay with his parents 811 00:37:02,921 --> 00:37:06,257 For days at a time, and the court agreed. 812 00:37:06,324 --> 00:37:08,124 - The goal of saint elizabeth's hospital 813 00:37:08,126 --> 00:37:09,259 Is to rehabilitate, right? 814 00:37:09,327 --> 00:37:11,861 So they have no justification of really holding him. 815 00:37:11,930 --> 00:37:14,063 - But not everyone was happy 816 00:37:14,065 --> 00:37:16,866 About hinckley's increasing freedom. 817 00:37:16,935 --> 00:37:19,703 The house his parents had retired to 818 00:37:19,771 --> 00:37:21,838 Was in an upscale gated community 819 00:37:21,840 --> 00:37:25,476 In williamsburg, virginia, overlooking the 13th hole 820 00:37:25,543 --> 00:37:28,478 Of the kingsmill championship golf course. 821 00:37:28,480 --> 00:37:31,948 When we sat down with retired fbi agent thomas baker, 822 00:37:32,017 --> 00:37:35,819 He told us that concerned the secret service. 823 00:37:35,821 --> 00:37:38,022 - In the past few years, who's played on that tee 824 00:37:38,089 --> 00:37:41,291 Is people like president barack obama, 825 00:37:41,359 --> 00:37:43,627 Former president clinton. 826 00:37:43,695 --> 00:37:46,429 I mean, these are the people who play golf in williamsburg, 827 00:37:46,498 --> 00:37:50,099 And this fellow's only 50 feet away. 828 00:37:50,101 --> 00:37:53,503 - Despite federal prosecutors' continued protests, 829 00:37:53,572 --> 00:37:54,838 The judge followed 830 00:37:54,906 --> 00:37:56,906 Saint elizabeth's recommendations, 831 00:37:56,975 --> 00:37:59,575 And granted hinckley more and more time 832 00:37:59,644 --> 00:38:00,844 With his parents. 833 00:38:00,912 --> 00:38:03,179 Time that no longer included 834 00:38:03,181 --> 00:38:05,582 His fiancée, leslie devoe. 835 00:38:05,584 --> 00:38:09,452 After 22 years, the relationship was over. 836 00:38:09,454 --> 00:38:11,654 - Do you know why the relationship ended? 837 00:38:11,723 --> 00:38:15,458 - Being identified publicly as his girlfriend 838 00:38:15,460 --> 00:38:17,794 Was very hard for her. 839 00:38:17,863 --> 00:38:21,464 The secret service was always coming to her door. 840 00:38:21,466 --> 00:38:23,599 It became just too much. 841 00:38:23,668 --> 00:38:26,604 - Hinckley's focus was now solely on being 842 00:38:26,671 --> 00:38:29,406 Permanently released from saint elizabeth's, 843 00:38:29,474 --> 00:38:33,743 And in 2016, a judge granted his request. 844 00:38:33,812 --> 00:38:35,278 - The man who attempted to assassinate 845 00:38:35,347 --> 00:38:36,746 President ronald reagan 846 00:38:36,815 --> 00:38:39,817 Is now free from a mental hospital after decades. 847 00:38:39,884 --> 00:38:42,685 - Hinckley's father had died, so he would live with 848 00:38:42,687 --> 00:38:45,689 His 90-year-old mother, at least for a year. 849 00:38:45,757 --> 00:38:47,825 Not all of hinckley's new neighbors 850 00:38:47,892 --> 00:38:51,160 Were convinced that was a good idea. 851 00:38:51,229 --> 00:38:52,428 - Bring him here and put him in-- 852 00:38:52,497 --> 00:38:54,764 Under the care of his 90-year-old mother. 853 00:38:54,833 --> 00:38:57,433 Seems to me to be a pretty foolish decision. 854 00:38:57,502 --> 00:39:00,104 - Timothy mccarthy, the secret service agent 855 00:39:00,171 --> 00:39:02,773 Who took a bullet shielding president reagan, 856 00:39:02,841 --> 00:39:04,907 Was also skeptical. 857 00:39:04,976 --> 00:39:07,377 - We know medicine is not an exact science. 858 00:39:07,379 --> 00:39:09,646 Uh, few things are. 859 00:39:09,648 --> 00:39:12,448 So, you know, I just hope they're right. 860 00:39:12,517 --> 00:39:15,651 - I'm a layperson, I'm not a psychologist or psychiatrist, 861 00:39:15,720 --> 00:39:17,186 But it doesn't seem to me like 862 00:39:17,255 --> 00:39:21,391 People with these kind of severe, uh, mental problems 863 00:39:21,393 --> 00:39:23,861 Are ever really, truly cured. 864 00:39:23,928 --> 00:39:27,730 - Still, hinckley wasn't completely free. 865 00:39:27,799 --> 00:39:30,266 The secret service would keep an eye on him. 866 00:39:30,335 --> 00:39:33,035 And there was a long list of court-mandated rules 867 00:39:33,037 --> 00:39:34,638 He had to follow. 868 00:39:34,640 --> 00:39:38,441 Among them, therapy, medication, limited travel, 869 00:39:38,443 --> 00:39:40,844 No media interviews or contact 870 00:39:40,912 --> 00:39:44,814 With his victims' relatives or jodie foster. 871 00:39:44,883 --> 00:39:47,684 But ron reagan was still concerned. 872 00:39:47,753 --> 00:39:49,018 - My worry is that 873 00:39:49,087 --> 00:39:51,220 His narcissistic personality disorder 874 00:39:51,289 --> 00:39:54,757 Will be affronted by somebody, 875 00:39:54,826 --> 00:39:56,427 He will not get the respect or attention 876 00:39:56,494 --> 00:39:58,494 That he feels that he's owed, 877 00:39:58,563 --> 00:40:03,299 And he will act out again in some violent way. 878 00:40:03,368 --> 00:40:07,170 - Today, there is greater awareness and empathy 879 00:40:07,238 --> 00:40:10,040 For those who suffer from mental illness. 880 00:40:10,108 --> 00:40:14,445 But insanity defense laws have become much stricter. 881 00:40:14,512 --> 00:40:16,646 - States were in a rush to change 882 00:40:16,714 --> 00:40:19,516 Their insanity defenses after the hinckley trial. 883 00:40:19,584 --> 00:40:21,919 Some got rid of the defense altogether. 884 00:40:21,986 --> 00:40:25,721 Some states instituted guilty, but mentally ill. 885 00:40:25,790 --> 00:40:28,191 - In federal court, the burden of proof 886 00:40:28,259 --> 00:40:30,660 Now has shifted to the defense team 887 00:40:30,662 --> 00:40:34,130 Who must prove the defendant is insane. 888 00:40:34,199 --> 00:40:37,167 If hinckley were tried under the new law, 889 00:40:37,235 --> 00:40:40,437 Many believe he would be convicted. 890 00:40:40,505 --> 00:40:42,539 - Do you know what he's doing with himself? 891 00:40:42,541 --> 00:40:44,273 - Yeah. You know, he volunteers at a church, 892 00:40:44,342 --> 00:40:45,542 Goes on walks. 893 00:40:45,610 --> 00:40:47,677 He's established a bunch of friends over time. 894 00:40:47,746 --> 00:40:49,880 - He also got a job of sorts, 895 00:40:49,948 --> 00:40:53,015 Buying and selling antiques at a local mall. 896 00:40:53,084 --> 00:40:57,220 And, it appears, found romance again. 897 00:40:57,222 --> 00:40:59,756 - I trust the doctors 898 00:40:59,758 --> 00:41:01,023 And the people who have been treating him. 899 00:41:01,092 --> 00:41:03,359 I trust their decision. 900 00:41:03,361 --> 00:41:05,429 - Hinckley's childhood friends believe 901 00:41:05,497 --> 00:41:08,898 He's earned a second chance and wish him well. 902 00:41:08,967 --> 00:41:12,235 - I don't expect we'll see him at our high school reunion, 903 00:41:12,303 --> 00:41:16,038 But if we did, I'd welcome him. 904 00:41:16,107 --> 00:41:19,508 - But president reagan's son believes a man who tried 905 00:41:19,578 --> 00:41:23,246 To assassinate the president, even if found insane, 906 00:41:23,314 --> 00:41:25,515 Should never go free. 907 00:41:25,517 --> 00:41:27,116 - I don't dispute that he was insane 908 00:41:27,185 --> 00:41:28,718 When he did what he did, 909 00:41:28,720 --> 00:41:30,853 But the crime that he committed 910 00:41:30,855 --> 00:41:33,923 Was not just a crime against another person, 911 00:41:33,992 --> 00:41:36,660 It was also a crime against the state. 912 00:41:36,728 --> 00:41:39,730 The penalty has to be drastic, 913 00:41:39,797 --> 00:41:42,465 And I would say permanent. 914 00:41:42,467 --> 00:41:46,202 - In 2020, the court relaxed the conditions 915 00:41:46,271 --> 00:41:49,105 Of hinckley's release even further. 916 00:41:49,173 --> 00:41:50,641 Among his new freedoms, 917 00:41:50,708 --> 00:41:54,543 He was now able to publicly display his artwork 918 00:41:54,613 --> 00:41:58,081 And publish music using his own name. 919 00:41:58,083 --> 00:42:00,951 As he eased into a more normal life, 920 00:42:01,019 --> 00:42:03,286 Hinckley seemed content. 921 00:42:03,354 --> 00:42:06,222 During one of his mental health evaluations 922 00:42:06,291 --> 00:42:09,359 He told doctors, "this is the happiest 923 00:42:09,427 --> 00:42:11,593 "I've been in my life. 924 00:42:11,595 --> 00:42:14,298 "I'm happy as a clam, to be honest. 925 00:42:14,365 --> 00:42:16,399 "I really am." 926 00:42:16,401 --> 00:42:20,369 In 2022, a federal judge concluded 927 00:42:20,371 --> 00:42:23,840 That hinckley's mental illness was in full remission, 928 00:42:23,842 --> 00:42:26,977 And granted his unconditional release. 929 00:42:27,045 --> 00:42:29,045 It was a new chapter in the life 930 00:42:29,113 --> 00:42:31,180 Of john w. Hinckley jr., 931 00:42:31,249 --> 00:42:35,718 Who four decades after shooting an american president, 932 00:42:35,787 --> 00:42:40,256 Appeared at peace with his past. 933 00:42:40,325 --> 00:42:41,657 - That's all for this edition 934 00:42:41,726 --> 00:42:44,060 Of "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 935 00:42:44,129 --> 00:42:49,098 I'm craig melvin. Thank you for watching.