A federal judge in Minnesota will decide next month if the man accused in the 2002 mailbox pipe-bombings will be committed indefinitely to a mental hospital. Earlier this year, 22-year-old Luke Helder was declared incompetent to stand trial and sent to a federal hospital to determine whether he poses a risk to himself or society. Helder was accused of planting pipe bombs in rural mailboxes in Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Colorado and Texas, while trying to make a smiley-face pattern on the U.S. map. Six people were hurt. In the September 1st hearing, Helder could be ordered held indefinitely, with periodic judicial reviews.

Radio Iowa