Anti-Abortionist Extradited to U.S.
James Kopp is suspect in 1998 sniper slaying of New York doctor
Originally published by MSNBC News Services, June 5, 2002
James Kopp, the suspect in the 1998 murder of a New York doctor who performed abortions, was extradited to the United States on Wednesday, the Justice Department said. Kopp left France on a plane with U.S. marshals late Wednesday morning and was expected to appear in U.S. federal court in New York later in the day.
Kopp reportedly was on a flight to Buffalo–Niagara International Airport and was due to arrive about 1 p.m. ET. Upon arrival, he was expected to be immediately taken to federal court in Buffalo for his initial court appearance.
Kopp was removed this week from his jail cell in Rennes, northern France, where he had been held since his arrest in March 2001 following a 2'year international manhunt, and transferred to Fresnes prison just outside of Paris, said his French lawyer, Herve Rouzaud–LeBoeuf. Rouzaud–LeBouf said he wasn't even able to see his client for a final time because the transfer was kept secret for security reasons.
Tuesday was the first day U.S. authorities were able to take custody of Kopp after the anti-abortion activist dropped his fight against extradition from France.
Last June, a French court recommended that Kopp be extradited after receiving assurances that the U.S. government would not seek the death penalty.
KOPP MAINTAINS INNOCENCE
In a statement last week, Kopp, 47, said he was eager to prove his innocence.
The Vermont native, known among anti–abortion activists as "Atomic Dog," faces a state murder charge along with federal charges in the sniper slaying of Dr. Barnett Slepian.
Investigators allege Kopp hid in a wooded area behind the doctor's suburban home on Oct. 23, 1998, and fired a single rifle shot inside, striking Slepian, a father of four who had just returned from a prayer service for his deceased father.
Kopp disappeared 11 days after Slepian's murder. Investigators believe he fled first to New York City, then New Jersey, Ireland and France. He became a suspect after several witnesses placed him in Slepian's wealthy neighborhood.
The federal charges allege Kopp violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act by using deadly force to prevent Slepian from providing reproductive health services and using a firearm to commit a crime of violence.
