New Orleans, LA — The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office is deeply dismayed by today’s developments in Criminal District Court, Section C, which have resulted in yet another unjustifiable delay in the long-overdue trial of disgraced Catholic priest Lawrence Hecker. Despite numerous defense-driven delays and exhaustive court hearings assessing the defendant’s fitness to stand trial, today’s proceedings were abruptly halted when Hecker was unexpectedly absent from the courtroom.

The prosecution was blindsided by this unforeseen absence and even more disturbed by the court’s lack of transparency. The court provided only a vague note to both the prosecution and defense, stating that the defendant had been transported to the University Medical Center (at taxpayer expense), without further explanation or inquiry into his condition or whereabouts.

“After months of waiting and endless delays, our prosecutors arrived today prepared to proceed, only to be met with yet another setback,” said DA Williams.

“To add insult to injury, when we sought to verify the defendant’s condition and assess whether the trial could continue later in the day, the judge abruptly and unexpectedly announced his recusal. Such a decision, made without substantial justification or prior notice, is both unprofessional and a disservice to the judicial process.”

“The survivors of Lawrence Hecker’s reported horrific abuses have already endured unimaginable pain and suffering,” stated DA Williams.

“To be subjected to repeated postponements and legal maneuvering that only further delays their long-awaited day in court is truly outrageous. Today’s developments not only undermine the pursuit of justice but also retraumatize those who have been waiting far too long for accountability.”