The trial of the man accused of killing an abortion doctor in a church foyer last May begins today in Wichita, Kansas.
Scott Roeder is charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death of Dr. George Tiller, plus two counts of aggravated assault. But the judge ruled Friday that Roeder's lawyers can argue voluntary manslaughter because they say their client sincerely believed it was necessary to kill Tiller to save unborn babies.
Roeder could get life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder. Voluntary manslaughter could mean a term closer to five years, depending on prior criminal record.
But arguing voluntary manslaughter apparently won't be an easy road for the defense. The judge warned Roeder's lawyers that they face "a substantial uphill battle."
http://www.11alive.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=139529&catid=166Hope, pray, anything, when it comes to this trial. Let's hope that jurors don't let any anti-abortion biases get in the way.
Acquitting Scott Roeder would pretty much make make it OK to attack and even kill other people based off of the attacker's beliefs of what should be legal or illegal.