Attorneys seek new trial for man convicted of murdering Kan. abortion provider
By APMonday, February 8, 2010
Attorneys seek new trial for abortion doc’s killer
WICHITA, Kan. — Attorneys for a man convicted of murdering a prominent Kansas abortion provider have asked for a new trial or an order of acquittal for their client.
Attorneys for Scott Roeder signaled their intent in a motion for a new trial made public Monday. Among other reasons, they cite a decision by the judge at Roeder’s trial last month to not allow jurors to consider a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter.
Such court filings are routine, but important to preserve the record on appeal issues. Arguments on the motion will be heard in March.
Roeder was convicted of first-degree murder in the May attack on Dr. George Tiller. Roeder admitted he shot Tiller in the head during services at the doctor’s Wichita church.
