Multiple media outlets are reporting that former White House Press Secretary James Brady’s death has been ruled a homicide. He passed away earlier this week — more than 33 years after being shot by John Hinckley Jr. during an assassination attempt on President Reagan.
BREAKING: sources confirm death of ex Reagan press secretary James Brady ruled a homicide stems from the 1981 shooting outside Hilton hotel
— Jennifer JJ Donelan (@JJjenJDO) August 8, 2014
BREAKING: D.C. authorities determine James Brady was the victim of a homicide — from John Hinckley's gunshot in 1981 – @PeteWilliamsNBC
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) August 8, 2014
#BREAKINGNEWS DC Police sources confirm to @nbcwashington that James Brady's death has been ruled a homicide. @PeteWilliamsNBC joins us at 5
— Scott Trabandt (@ScottTrabandt) August 8, 2014
https://twitter.com/nbcwashington/status/497849277675483137
#BREAKING: Sources confirm to FOX 5 fmr White House press secretary James Brady's death has been ruled a homicide.
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) August 8, 2014
more: office of chief medical examiner in va said autopsy was completed but case under investigation now by DC POLICE.
— Jennifer JJ Donelan (@JJjenJDO) August 8, 2014
Needless to say, the medical examiner’s ruling has come as a surprise to many:
https://twitter.com/BecketAdams/status/497848770047250432
Omg is that real? RT @Matthops82: WTF?! http://t.co/rSEsWPEh3q"
— LaurieAnn ??♂️? (@mooshakins) August 8, 2014
Recommended
? RT @BreakingNews: Death of Reagan press secretary James Brady ruled a homicide, stemming from 1981 shooting – @NBCNews
— Jonathan Blake (@jblakemn) August 8, 2014
Wow MT @BreakingNews: Death of James Brady ruled a homicide, stemming from 1981 shooting – @NBCNews http://t.co/sJ895dHk2U/s/W5-C
— Laurie Schechter (@laurieschechter) August 8, 2014
WTF??? ==> RT @NBCNews JUST IN: James Brady’s death ruled homicide – from John Hickley’s gunshot in 1981 http://t.co/N81ayC62qf @seanagnew
— American Insurgent (@Who_Me_Two) August 8, 2014
What?! MT @ABC7Jennifer: BREAKING: sources confirm death of James Brady ruled a homicide stems from the 1981 shooting outside Hilton hotel
— Matilda (@mfortuin11) August 8, 2014
James Brady died…from John Hickley's gunshot. Wait, WHAT?!
— Kevin D. Grüssing (pronounced Grew-Sing) (@KevDGrussing) August 8, 2014
According to NBC Nightly News:
MORE: Homicide ruling has the potential to open the door to federal murder charges against John Hinckley – @PeteWilliamsNBC
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) August 8, 2014
Can Hinckley actually be charged?
https://twitter.com/NoahCRothman/status/497849473268453377
@NoahCRothman Technically not hard to prove if the cause of death is related to a complication from the shot but selling it to a jury…?
— ???? Only4RM ???? (@Only4RM) August 8, 2014
I understand this is a medical ruling not a legal one. But, arguendo, any lawyers want to weigh in on how likely a prosecution would be?
— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) August 8, 2014
Also, as Hinkley was found not guilty by reason of insanity, doesn’t that make any conviction unlikely?
— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) August 8, 2014
The law has changed since then, yes. What governs which rule applies: when he fired the shots or when he is charged?
— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) August 8, 2014
https://twitter.com/Neal_Dewing/status/497852104426668032
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Related:
‘Personified courage and decency’: Former WH Press Secretary James Brady has died
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