Judge bars testimony from ex-Kan. attorney general at abortion doctor slaying trial
By APThursday, January 28, 2010
Ex-Kan. atty general can’t testify at Roeder trial
WICHITA, Kan. — A judge has barred Kansas’ former attorney general from testifying before the jury at the trial of a man accused of killing abortion provider Dr. George Tiller.
Judge Warren Wilbert listened to a preview of Kline’s testimony without the jury present on Thursday before ruling that it was irrelevant and inappropriate to defendant Scott Roeder’s (ROH-ders) case.
Wilbert said portions of Kline’s testimony were exactly what he wants to avoid at the trial, which he has said he doesn’t want to turn into a referendum on abortion.
Defense attorneys argued that Kline’s testimony was necessary to show that Roeder relied on Kline’s belief that Tiller was breaking the law.
Roeder has confessed to shooting Tiller on May 31. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated assault.
