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Roeder Warns of More Violence

    Created: 6/7/2009 8:09:46 PM    Updated: 6/7/2009 8:11:16 PM
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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -- The man charged with murdering a high-profile abortion doctor claims that similar violence is planned for as long as the procedure remains legal.

Scott Roeder phoned The Associated Press from the Sedgwick County jail in Kansas, where he's being held on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault in the shooting of Dr. George Tiller at Tiller's church last Sunday.

The new threat comes days after a federal investigation was launched into whether the suspect had any accomplices. A Justice Department spokesman says the threat is being taken seriously. But one leader of the anti-abortion movement derides the accused shooter as "a fruit and a lunatic."

Asked by the AP if he shot Tiller, Roeder replied that he can't comment on that, saying he needs to clear everything with his lawyer.

He said he refused to talk to investigators when he was arrested, and has made no statements to police since then.

In two separate calls to AP this morning, Roeder was more talkative about his treatment at the Sedgwick County jail, complaining about "deplorable conditions in solitary" where he was kept during his first three days there.

©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.



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