Former Catholic priest dies less than two weeks after being sentenced to life in prison for rape

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 93-year-old former Catholic priest sentenced to life in prison earlier this month for raping a teenage boy has died, Louisiana authorities and his lawyer confirmed Friday. Less than two weeks after being sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars, Lawrence Hecker died of natural causes at 3 a.m. Thursday at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, according to Ken Pastorick, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections communications director. open image in gallery Lawrence Hecker’s conviction occurred amid a wave of sexual abuse allegations against the Catholic church in New Orleans, "The only prayer I can come up with I hope he spends eternity in hell after God's judgment of him," the survivor said in a written statement provided by his attorney, Richard Trahant. Hecker's conviction occurred amid a wave of sexual abuse allegations against the Catholic church in New Orleans, many resurfacing from decades ago.