John Hinckley case on hold for hospital reply

A judge in Washington is ordering a mental health center caring for John Hinckley to decide how to proceed with a request to expand the time he spends away. Earlier, the hospital had said it didn't want to be involved.

Hinckley shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

In late 2011 and early 2012, lawyers spent two weeks discussing plans that would expand Hinckley's release privileges from a psychiatric hospital for the 10-day stretches he is allowed at his mother's home in Virginia. He is seeking more time away.

Part of the plan was that Hinckley would attend group programs at People's Place in Williamsburg, Va., but it has since withdrawn its participation.

Judge Paul Friedman is giving People's Place until Oct. 19 to say how it plans to proceed.