NEWSWEEK has learned that Kaczynski decided the night before the trial was to begin that he would agree to the deal if Judge Garland Burrell denied his bid to represent himself. Diagnosed a paranoid schizophrenic, the 55-year-old math professor turned Montana hermit strongly objected to his attorneys’ plan to use his mental health in his defense. After Judge Burrell ruled against him, Kaczynski acknowledged that he was responsible for the chilling list of crimes described by the prosecution. “Mr. Kaczynski, do you agree with the factual representation?” asked Burrell. “Yes, your honor,” Kaczynski replied calmly.
For David Kaczynski, who alerted federal authorities when he recognized his brother’s anti-technology writings published in 1995 in The New York Times and The Washington Post, and Kaczynski’s mother, Wanda, the abrupt end of the trial was a relief. Given Ted’s mental illness, “we feel this is the appropriate, just and civilized resolution to this tragedy,” David told reporters. The victims, he said, “will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.” For those personally traumatized by the Unabomber, the outcome was a mixed blessing. Connie Murray, whose husband, Gilbert, was Kaczynski’s last victim, thought he deserved the death penalty. But she was satisfied with the plea agreement. “He will never, ever kill again,” she said. Kaczynski is set to be formally sentenced on May 15.
