WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A judge has ruled that a jury cannot consider a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter for a man charged with murdering prominent Kansas abortion provider Dr. George Tiller.
Scott Roeder has admitted killing Tiller but has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault. His defense team had argued for the lesser charge, arguing that Roeder believed he had to kill Tiller to save the lives of unborn children.
Voluntary manslaughter in Kansas is defined as “an unreasonable but honest belief that circumstances existed that justified deadly force.” It also involves proving imminent danger of an unlawful act.
Judge Warren Wilbert ruled on the possible charges after the defense rested Thursday afternoon.
