AUGUSTA, Maine — It has been 20 years since a Waterville man broke into a convent, killed two nuns, and severely injured two others.
Mark Bechard, 57, wants to move out of his group home and into his own apartment.
His lawyer, Harold Hainke, told CBS 13 that Bechard’s mental health is at a high-functioning level and moving to his own apartment is the next natural step to becoming a more fully realized member of society.
The crime 20 years ago stunned the Catholic community and the entire state.
The 37-year-old Bechard broke into Waterville’s Blessed Sacrament Chapel and killed two nuns and severely injured two others at the convent.
Bechard was found not criminally responsible by reason of mental illness. He was committed to what was then called the Augusta Mental Health Institute.
Four years ago he moved off the campus and into a group home in Augusta.
In a new court petition, Bechard asked for permission to move out of the group home and into a supervised apartment.
“It’s more therapeutic at this point in his life to move on, to take the next step,” Hainke said.
Hainke said Bechard is doing well mentally, his treatment is working and he’d benefit from more independence.
“That was supported by the testimony that everyone said he’s ready to take this next step. The group home is more restrictive than is necessary for his safety or the safety of the community,” Hainke said.
The court petition also asks for up to three hours of unsupervised time a day with phone check ins every hour.
DHHS, which has custody of Bechard, wouldn’t comment on his request and said the Department can’t comment on specific cases.
The judge expects to rule on Bechard’s request to move in to his own supervised apartment within the next couple of weeks.