Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 6, 1994 TAG: 9410060035
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PENSACOLA, FLA. LENGTH: Short
Paul Hill showed no emotion as the verdict was read, but after the jury left the courtroom he smiled broadly and shook hands with his two standby attorneys. He could get life when he's sentenced Dec. 9.
A federal jury deliberated just over two hours before finding Hill guilty of three counts of violating the new law and one separate firearms charge. He was the first person tried under the law adopted earlier this year.
He also is awaiting trial in state court Jan. 30 on murder and attempted murder charges that could get him the electric chair.
Hill, acting as his own attorney, has said murder is justifiable if it stops abortions, but the judge barred him from presenting that defense at his federal trial.
In his closing argument, he said: ``This government is unjust because it does not protect innocent life. To the extent we take part in this evil, we must answer to God. May God help us all.''
Witnesses testified that Hill, 40, ambushed Dr. John B. Britton, James H. Barrett and Barrett's wife, June, with a 12-gauge shotgun as the three arrived July 29 at a Pensacola abortion clinic. Britton and Barrett were killed and June Barrett was wounded.
by CNB