Hatemonger Costs DC $50K in Medical Care
Holocaust Museum shooting suspect getting tests in N.C.
By JESSICA GRESKO
Updated 12:40 PM EDT, Fri, Nov 27, 2009
Medical care for the 89-year-old man accused in June's fatal shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Museum has cost the D.C. Department of Corrections more than $55,000.
James von Brunn, a white supremacist, was shot once behind the right ear by a museum guard after von Brunn entered the museum and allegedly shot another guard. Von Brunn did not appear in court for months because of his injuries. When he finally did, in September, he was in a wheelchair. Von Brunn's attorney has said he has trouble hearing and speaking as a result of being shot and is not able to walk.
The cost of his medical care, $55,050, was released by the D.C. Department of Corrections in response to a Freedom of Information request by The Associated Press. Details were not released on what kinds of treatment or services von Brunn received.
Von Brunn was initially treated at George Washington University Hospital before being transferred to the Bureau of Prisons custody.
After attending his first hearing von Brunn was transferred to the Federal Medical Center in Butner, N.C., to undergo tests to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. His attorney, A.J. Kramer, told the judge at von Brunn's hearing in September that the facility was equipped to handle his medical needs. He is currently in a medical unit and in a hospital bed, Kramer said.
Earlier this month officials at the medical center requested an extension on completing a medical evaluation because they said several chronic ailments were preventing officials from finishing it.
At 89, von Brunn is one of the oldest inmates in the Bureau of Prisons system. Only two inmates are over the age of 90.
The next hearing in von Brunn's case is scheduled for Monday.
Copyright Associated Press
First Published: Nov 27, 2009 11:55 AM EDT
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