BUFFALO, N.Y., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- An abortion activist faces a second life sentence after his conviction on federal charges in the killing of a Buffalo, N.Y., doctor who performed abortions.
A jury found James Kopp guilty Thursday of using a firearm to commit a violent act and violating the federal law guaranteeing free access to clinics, the Buffalo News reported. He is already serving 25 years to life in New York for the murder of Dr. Barnett Slepian.
During his trial, Kopp, who represented himself, tried to convince jurors that the killing was justified to save the lives of fetuses Slepian would have aborted. He also claimed he did not shoot to kill and said the doctor died because of an unexpected ricochet.
Slepian was shot down at his home in 1998, dying in his wife's arms. Kopp, who used the nickname "Atomic Dog," was arrested in France.
Sentencing was scheduled for June.
