I agree with those who want more information. It’s important to note, however, that it was a medical examiner who declared the cause of Brady’s death to be homicide. It was not a prosecutor, it was not the police, and no charges have been filed (though the declaration has automatically triggered a police investigation—as is required for every death that is determined to be a case of homicide).
So while federal prosecutors are currently reviewing the case to see whether or not it is worth pursuing charges, I suspect it will be difficult for them to establish a causal nexus from Brady’s injuries in 1981 to his death in 2014 that would hold up in court. The medical examiner, after all, does not face nearly the same burden in proof in making a determination as a prosecutor does in getting a conviction.
It is not patently absurd, however, that someone might be charged with murder 33 years after the actus reus. Consider the following case: Sam injects Bill with a poison that takes 30–35 years to kill depending on one’s natural resistance. The poison goes undetected for 33 years, at which time Bill’s resistance gives out and he dies. It seems clear that Sam is guilty of murdering Bill. Had it not been for the poison, Bill would not have died in that way at that time.
The time lapse, then, is a red herring. The real question is whether or not there are any complicating factors that detract from the argument that Hinckley shooting Brady was the proximate cause of Brady’s death. In any case, I would argue that the prosecution should be required to present a very strong case that a causal nexus exists if they decide to prosecute. So again, I’d like (a lot) more information before making a call one way or the other.
@anniereborn Just because the death was declared a homicide doesn’t mean anyone will be charged. Take the case that I describe above: if Sam dies before the poison overcomes Bill’s immune system, then he will never be charged for the murder. But it doesn’t change the fact that Bill’s death should be declared a homicide.
@Darth_Algar Boxers sign waivers before each match indemnifying their opponent and whatever organization they are boxing under from any liability for injuries or death.