Holocaust Museum shooter; in jail; getting better medical care than YOU!

[newmac]

AP

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.

[Zoeisright]

1. Once again, I ask: Do you really want people in prison to get NO

medical care at all? Do you want our prisons to be filled with diseased, dying people?

If so, then what makes us better than concentration camp guards?

The standard should be: everyone in this country gets excellent medical care, INCLUDING prisoners.

[w4rma]

2. That's why I support single payer or a public option. (nt)

[hfojvt]

3. not really better care than me

certainly more expensive care than me, but mostly because I have not been shot in the head, or have some other injury or disease requiring expensive medical care. Plus, I am not 90 either.

[bridgit]

4. He's also getting 3 hots & a cot plus access to powdered eggs & bologna sammich's

[wryter2000]

5. Would you really like to have what passes for medical care in prison?

I know I wouldn't.

[madrchsod]

7. yes...it`s close to third world in a lot of prisons across the country.

[pitohui]

6. i dunno, it doesn't sound like he's getting esp. impressive care

do you actually know any aging people who have been in nursing care, it sure don't sound like it

$55K for the extent of his injuries and the extent of his round the clock care is a drop in the bucket to what my relatives have been charged

i can't believe he is getting esp. great care, it sounds like he is getting cut-rate prison care to me, not that he deserves any better

injuries on this scale on a person of this age would normally run into the six figures at a minimum...

[PCIntern]

8. Wow...a lot of these kinds of posts lately...

Just had someone in here on Wednesday who said exactly the same thing about the guy who shot the cop dead in Philly..was on is way to D.C. for the big Teabag Reunion...if you run into him, say hi to him and his 'lovely' wife for me!