Killer of Abortion Doctor Convicted Again

BUFFALO — A man already serving time in a state prison for the sniper-shooting death of a doctor was convicted yesterday on a federal charge of targeting and killing the man because he provided abortions.

The jury deliberated about four hours over two days before deciding James Kopp violated the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act in the 1998 slaying of Dr. Barnett Slepian.

Kopp, who represented himself during the two-week trial, tried to convince jurors during his closing arguments that he intended only to wound Slepian to prevent him from performing abortions.