UPDATED Scott Roeder Found Guilty of 1st Degree Murder in Dr. Tiller Shooting

On January 29th, 2010, a jury found Scott Roeder guilty of 1st degree premeditated murder in the shooting of Kansas Dr. George Tiller, as well as two counts of aggravated assault. 

The jury, who had listened to 5 days of testimony, took less than an hour of deliberation once closing remarks were made.

Yesterday, the jury was informed that they would not be ruling on a charge of voluntary manslaughter, a fear many pro-choice advocates expressed, as the sentencing could be as little as 5 years. Because of Roeder's premeditated action and the fact that there was no immediate threat against him, Judge Warren Wilbert instead ruled that Roeder must be found either guilty or innocent on the charge of first degree murder in the death of Dr. George Tiller. Additionally, he was charged with two counts of aggravated assault for pulling a gun on two others during his crime.

Although the jury returned quickly with a verdict, there was little surprise in the fast turn around. In Roeder's own testimony yesterday he repeated the fact that he did commit the murder of Dr. Tiller, as well as recite the steps that he took prior to the act, with plans that went all of the way back to 1993. He also stated that he did not regret his actions.

The prosecuting team has announced its intention to go for a "hard 50" during the sentencing process.  "Hard 50," a sentencing technique used frequently in Kansas murder trials, required that the convicted murderer be required to serve a minimum of 50 years in prison before even a possibility of parole.

Sentencing will be scheduled for March 9th, 2010 at 8:45 a.m.

We will continue to update this post with statements as they come in.

UPDATES:

Statement from Dr. Tiller's family:

"The family of Dr. George Tiller would like to thank the jury, District Attorney Nola Foulston and her office and law enforcement for their service in this difficult matter. Once again, a Sedgwick County jury has reached a just verdict. We also want to thank George's countless friends and supporters in Wichita and around the country who have offered their comfort.

"At this time we hope that George can be remembered for his legacy of service to women, the help he provided for those who needed it and the love and happiness he provided us as a husband, father and grandfather."

NARAL Pro-Choice America:

 

"The jury examined the facts of this case and rightfully convicted Scott Roeder for the brutal murder of Dr. George Tiller inside his church in Kansas. Our thoughts are with Dr. Tiller's family and friends. Even though this conviction brings a murderer to justice, it won't replace the husband, father, and grandfather they lost last May. Dr. Tiller was a tireless advocate for reproductive health who called on us to 'trust women' to make the personal, private decisions that are best for them and their families. We will continue to honor his legacy of compassion and resolve.

"We also call on opponents of a woman's right to choose to end the practice of inflammatory rhetoric and tactics that inspire this kind of violent action from the most extreme factions of the anti-choice movement. No other abortion provider's family should have to endure the tragedy of seeing their loved one killed for providing an essential and legal health service to women."

The Center for Reproductive Rights:

Today, justice was served for Dr. Tiller, his family and abortion providers who live in fear of physical attacks, harassment and intimidation every day.  The jury swiftly and unanimously convicted Mr. Roeder,  rejecting his defense for cold-blooded murder.  Dr. Tiller’s shooting was a calculated crime by Mr. Roeder’s own admission, and that is the definition of premeditated murder.

As our investigative research last summer found, anti-choice forces have targeted abortion providers for decades – with appalling physical attacks, threats and intimidation – far too often with impunity. Yet abortion is a legal medical service, a fundamental part of healthcare for women and a core constitutional right.  It was critical that this trial show that the lives of doctors who perform necessary, legal services will be protected by the full force of the law.