Reagan shooting suspect watched after overdose

John W. Hinkley Jr. accused of trying to kill President Reagan, was under 24 -hour watch at a federal prison for taking a potentially harmful overdose of headache pills. "Apparently he tried to harm himself," said Justice Department spokesman Tom DeCair adding that it was not a life-threatening situation.

"He indicated that he has been depressed recently" Mr. DeCair said.

Federal officials recently rejected an effort by Hinckley's lawyers to negotiate a plea under the federal Youth Corrections Act. The law is designed to promote rehabilitation of young offenders by giving them indeterminate sentences and early parole.