LOGIN

Former Roman Catholic Cardinal McCarrick, Aged 93, Deemed Incompetent for Trial on Charges of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor

by Andrew Wright
10 comments
Clergy Abuse Scandal

The Massachusetts court has ruled that Theodore McCarrick, a former cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, is mentally unfit to face trial for allegations of sexual abuse against a teenager from years past. The case was dismissed on Wednesday after both the prosecution and defense concurred that the 93-year-old is suffering from dementia.

Previously serving as the Archbishop of Washington, D.C., McCarrick was expelled from the clergy by Pope Francis in 2019. This disciplinary action followed an internal probe by the Vatican that substantiated claims of McCarrick’s sexual misconduct towards both adults and minors. The controversy surrounding McCarrick cast a shadow over the credibility of the Catholic Church, especially considering evidence indicating that both Vatican and U.S. church authorities were aware of his inappropriate relationships with seminarians yet failed to intervene, even as McCarrick ascended the church hierarchy and became an influential advisor to three pontiffs.

During Wednesday’s legal proceedings, Dr. Kerry Nelligan, a forensic psychologist hired by the prosecution, testified that she discovered significant cognitive impairments in McCarrick’s memory across two interviews conducted in June. She noted his inability to remember prior discussions, thereby making it impossible for him to actively participate in his own defense. Nelligan further stated that there is no available medical treatment to ameliorate these dementia symptoms.

McCarrick, who maintained a remote presence at the hearing via video link, was observed wearing a light green shirt and what seemed to be a grey sweater vest. He remained silent throughout the hearing. The former cardinal was accused of sexually abusing a teenager during a wedding reception at Wellesley College in 1974.

Last September, McCarrick entered a plea of not guilty. Additionally, he was indicted in April for the sexual assault of an 18-year-old man in Wisconsin over four decades ago. In February, legal representatives for McCarrick submitted a request to the court to dismiss the case, citing an assessment by a psychiatric expert from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, which diagnosed him with dementia, likely of the Alzheimer’s type.

Domiciled in Dittmer, Missouri, McCarrick faced three counts of indecent assault and battery on an individual over the age of 14. Despite the age of the allegations, the statute of limitations was not applicable as it had been halted once McCarrick left the state of Massachusetts.

Victims’ rights advocate Mitchell Garabedian, who is representing the accuser in this case, expressed disappointment with the court’s decision. Garabedian stated on Wednesday, “Despite today’s judicial ruling, many victims of clergy sexual abuse still view former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick as the enduring symbol of malevolence within the Catholic Church.”

Typically, The Big Big News refrains from naming individuals who allege sexual assault, unless they opt for public identification, a choice the victim in this particular case has declined to make.

The prosecution revealed that McCarrick had been close to the accuser’s family during the latter’s upbringing, often attending family events and vacationing with them. The victim, who was 16 at the time, claimed the abuse took place at his brother’s wedding reception at Wellesley College and continued in a coat room thereafter. According to the prosecution, McCarrick instructed the boy to recite the “Hail Mary” and “Our Father” prayers before exiting the room.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Theodore McCarrick trial-dismissed

What was the Massachusetts court’s ruling regarding Theodore McCarrick?

The court in Massachusetts determined that former Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is mentally unfit to stand trial for allegations of sexual misconduct with a teenager. Both the prosecution and defense concurred that McCarrick, who is 93 years old, suffers from dementia. Consequently, the case was dismissed.

Who is Theodore McCarrick?

Theodore McCarrick is a former Cardinal and Archbishop of Washington, D.C., in the Roman Catholic Church. He was defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019 following an internal Vatican investigation that confirmed he had engaged in sexual misconduct involving both adults and minors.

Why was McCarrick’s case dismissed?

The case was dismissed because both the prosecution and defense agreed that McCarrick is suffering from dementia, making him mentally unfit to participate in his own defense or stand trial.

What did the psychologist, Dr. Kerry Nelligan, conclude about McCarrick’s mental state?

Dr. Kerry Nelligan, a forensic psychologist hired by the prosecution, found that McCarrick has significant memory deficits. During two interviews conducted in June, she observed that he was often unable to remember what had been discussed from one hour to the next.

Was Theodore McCarrick charged for similar misconduct before?

Yes, McCarrick was defrocked in 2019 after an internal Vatican investigation confirmed allegations of his sexual misconduct with adults and minors. He also faced an indictment in April for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old man in Wisconsin over four decades ago.

What was the nature of the charges against McCarrick in this particular case?

McCarrick was charged with three counts of indecent assault and battery on an individual over the age of 14. The allegations date back to a wedding reception at Wellesley College in 1974.

Who is representing the accuser?

Mitchell Garabedian, a well-known advocate for victims of clergy sexual abuse, is representing the man who accused McCarrick.

What impact does the court’s decision have on the credibility of the Catholic Church?

The case against McCarrick had already contributed to a crisis of credibility for the Catholic Church, particularly given evidence that church leaders were aware of his misconduct yet failed to intervene. The dismissal of this case on the grounds of McCarrick’s mental incapacity may continue to fuel discussions about the church’s handling of such matters.

How did the accuser know McCarrick?

According to the prosecution, McCarrick was close to the accuser’s family and often attended family events and vacations with them. The victim referred to McCarrick as “Uncle Ted.”

Is McCarrick exempt from future charges due to his mental state?

While McCarrick has been deemed mentally unfit for this particular trial, it remains uncertain whether this ruling will affect any future legal proceedings related to other allegations.

More about Theodore McCarrick trial-dismissed

  • Theodore McCarrick Defrocked in 2019
  • Vatican’s Internal Investigation on McCarrick
  • Massachusetts Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault
  • Profile of Mitchell Garabedian, Advocate for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
  • Overview of Dementia and Legal Competency
  • Roman Catholic Church and Sexual Abuse Scandals
  • Details on the Legal Proceedings involving Theodore McCarrick

You may also like

10 comments

JanePublic August 30, 2023 - 11:12 pm

He advised three popes and they did nothing?? its both shocking and sad.

Reply
FairIsFair August 30, 2023 - 11:42 pm

If he’s genuinely mentally unfit, then a trial wouldn’t be fair, but let’s not forget the victims. They need closure too.

Reply
TruthSeeker August 31, 2023 - 12:26 am

If you ask me, church needs a serious clean up. this kinda stuff is just tip of the iceberg.

Reply
MidwestMom August 31, 2023 - 2:20 am

unbelievable. my heart goes out to the victims. it’s like they’ve been let down by the system all over again.

Reply
JohnDoe42 August 31, 2023 - 3:42 am

Wow, this is a big deal. So he gets off the hook because of dementia? Doesn’t seem right to me.

Reply
EducatedVoter August 31, 2023 - 4:43 am

This case brings up ethical quandaries. How do we balance the need for justice with the rights of someone who is mentally incompetent? Not an easy answer.

Reply
HistoryBuff101 August 31, 2023 - 6:16 am

The church has a long history of scandals and this is yet another dark chapter. Makes you wonder what else is being swept under the rug.

Reply
SkepticalSally August 31, 2023 - 9:01 am

So both sides agree he has dementia? I mean, it’s a serious condition, but what about the victims? Do they just suffer in silence?

Reply
LegalEagle2019 August 31, 2023 - 3:49 pm

McCarrick’s story is just one of many scandals tarnishing the Catholic Church’s reputation. Sad, really, that it takes this long for justice to maybe happen.

Reply
CryptoGuy August 31, 2023 - 5:59 pm

shocking that ppl in such high positions can evade justice like this. what does this say about the church’s credibility?

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News