COVINGTON (LA)
WDSU [New Orleans]
September 24, 2024
By Aubry Killion
A trial for a former New Orleans priest accused of molesting children will not move forward after the judge in the case recused himself.
Judge Ben Willard announced in court Tuesday that the trial against Lawrence Hecker would not move forward and recused himself.
Willard cited disrespect from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office as his reason for recusal.
This comes after months of delays in the trial following multiple mental competency evaluations.
A doctor confirmed that Hecker does have Alzheimer’s and dementia, but a ruling was never made on whether or not he was fully competent to stand trial.
WDSU obtained records in the case. Prosecutors said Hecker is a serial child abuser, rapist, and a diagnosed pedophile who continues to possess child pornography.
According to prosecutors in this case, Hecker choked the victim until he was unconscious and then raped him. WDSU uncovers explosive documents linked to former New Orleans Archdiocese priest
This is a developing story.