HINCKLEY'S INITIAL COMMITMENT

Immediately after the verdict, Hinckley was committed to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington D.C.. He underwent a psychiatric evaluation and was classified as a danger to himself, Jodie Foster, and any other third party whom he would consider incidental to his ultimate aims. It was apparent Hinckley would remain hospitalized for a long, long time.

In spite of his hospitalization, he did not fade from the public spotlight. Shortly after commitment, he gave an interview to Penthouse magazine in which he described a typical day at St. Elizabeth's. "I see a therapist, answer mail, play my guitar, listen to music, play pool, watch television, eat lousy food, and take delicious medication."

HINCKLEY'S MENTAL PROBLEMS CONTINUE

Hinckley's mental problems did not magically disappear after being committed to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington. He attempted suicide at least three times after his arrest, and his obsession with Jodie Foster continued. In 1987, Hinckley applied for leave to visit his family at Easter, and Judge Barrington Parker ordered a search of his room; it revealed 20 photographs along with writings which revealed he had not given up his obsession with Foster. It was also discovered that Hinckley had exchanged letters with now-executed serial killer Ted Bundy and had requested the address of Charles Manson.

HINCKLEY'S GIRLFRIEND, LESLIE DEVEAU 

Since 1990, Hinckley had made considerable progress in his mental health treatment. In 1992 he was taken off psychiatric medications and allowed to wander the hospital grounds unsupervised. For the past ten years, John has dated Leslie deVeau, whom he met when she too was a mental patient at St. Elizabeth's. The couple takes daily walks, often lunch together, and share a mutual love of books. According to John's mother, Leslie "handles so many of John's problems. She's just been our angel." But deVeau is hardly an angel. While deVeau is a former social worker who currently works at St. Elizabeth's hospital aiding outpatient recovery, in 1982, she shot and killed her 10 year old daughter. Distraught, deVeau then attempted to commit suicide by shooting herself in the left shoulder; but the bullet wound was not fatal. Her left arm, however, suffered massive injuries and was amputated. Like John, deVeau pled insanity at her trial and the jury adjudged her not guilty by reason of insanity. She was released after spending four years at St. Elizabeth's. As of 1998, Leslie and John have been dating for ten years.