NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Recently convicted former New Orleans Priest, who was recently sentenced to life in prison for sex-related crimes, has died.
93-year-old Lawrence Hecker was sentenced on Dec. 18 on charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated crime against nature involving a teenager in the 1970s.
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Hecker’s attorney Bobby Hjortsberg confirmed his death on Friday, Dec. 27 and after being notified by the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center where he was being held.
Lawrence Hecker (Courtesy: Archdiocese of New Orleans)
Hecker had received two life sentences without the possibility of parole: one for the aggravated rape charge and one for the aggravated kidnapping charge. He also received a 15-year sentence for the aggravated crime against nature charge and a 10-year sentence for the theft charge.
All charges to which he pleaded guilty on Dec. 3.
He was reportedly on his way to serve his sentence at Angola State Penitentiary but did not make it.
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“Lawrence Hecker choked out and raped a little boy in 1975. I was 3 years old then. Since then, he was promoted and transferred to multiple posts with unfettered access to more boys.
Over a course of decades, Hecker maintained his position of trust and reverence in the Church as multiple young victims were ignored, disbelieved, and admonished for telling adults what happened to them.
Through re-victimization and pain they persevered; and I am thankful to these once boys, now grown men who were willing to trust me and my team to fight for them after so many other adults chose not to. These are the most courageous people I have ever met. I am honored to know them.
I am also extremely grateful to Judge Nandi Campbell for selecting a trial date this year and holding firm to it. Her decision set the stage for justice long denied.
Hecker’s measure of earthly justice was certainly not enough for his crimes. It seems his maker was anxious to meet him after there was no longer any question about his guilt here.”
District Attorney Jason Rogers Williams
“We hope and pray that his death will bring closure and peace to the survivors.”
Archdiocese of New Orleans Director of Communications Sarah McDonald
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