Federal Jury Finds Convicted Murderer Kopp Guilty For Violating Freedom Of Access To Clinic Entrances Act

A federal jury in Buffalo, N.Y., on Thursday found James Kopp -- who in 2003 was convicted of murdering Buffalo-based abortion provider Barnett Slepian in 1998 -- guilty of violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, the Chicago Tribune reports (Chicago Tribune, 1/26). Kopp in 2003 was convicted under state second-degree murder charges and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for Slepian's murder. The federal charges could carry a sentence of life in prison without parole (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 1/8). Kopp, who represented himself, argued that he did not mean to kill Slepian but that he intended to wound him and prevent him from performing abortions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Mehltretter argued that Kopp's planning of the shooting and his choice of weapon -- a Russian military assault rifle -- proved his intent to murder. U.S. Attorney Terrance Flynn said federal prosecutors will seek a prison term of life without parole. Sentencing is scheduled for June 19, the AP/Forbes reports (Thompson, AP/Forbes, 1/26).

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