Anti-abortion opponent was given a life sentence for murdering a doctor who performed abortions. James Kopp wrote that he saved several children by killing the doctor.
James Kopp, 52 year old man, who was fighting against abortions, killed Barnett Slepian, a doctor, in front of his children and wife. He was convicted on the charge of second-degree murder and given a life sentence in addition to 10 years on federal charges. He committed the crime in 1998 and was residing in Mexico and France until he was arrested by police in March 2001.
As Mr. Kopp spoke in the court, he was emotionless only complaining about abortions. He said that the shot was unintentional and he wanted to warn the doctor.
The man also known as "Atomic Dog" was anti-abortion extremist and was arrested a hundred times for his violent attacks on abortion providers. He is suspected of murdering other doctors in Canada and in Rochester. The federal jury charged him on violation of Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act by murdering the doctor and using a weapon. Kopp was on the list of the Ten Most Wanted fugitives in June 1999.
The wife of the victim together with her four sons, aged between 7 and 15 became the witnesses of the tragedy. Mr. Slepian was shot down through a window in their house when his family was at home. One of the sons tried to stop the blood flow. Lynne Slepian addressed the audience saying that many other people can become victims of anti-abortion extremists who are still free and ready to commit another crime.
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