New Orleans priest’s dementia diagnosis records obtained [Video]

New documents obtained by WDSU Investigates provide more information into the dementia diagnosis of a retired New Orleans priest accused of being a serial rapist. Lawrence Hecker has been diagnosed with dementia, and the condition could affect his upcoming trial. The documents outline Hecker’s evaluation by court doctors. The doctors say that the dementia will affect Hecker’s ability to testify and describe him as “more disheveled and impaired.”The report also noted that Hecker had a slight facial droop, possibly from a stroke. The doctor’s report stated that Hecker thought he was at a mental hospital when he later corrected himself to say he was at a courthouse. He also told the doctor he was at the court to “clear up my case.” The doctor’s report read in part: “It is our opinion, with reasonable medical certainty, that Mr. Hecker does have dementia, a chronic, deteriorating illness. While he will have …