Hearing set in death of abortion provider

Scott Roeder, 51, is charged with one count of first-degree murder in Tiller’s death and two counts of aggravated assault for allegedly threatening two ushers who tried to stop him during the May 31 melee in the foyer of the doctor’s church.

Unless the defense waives the preliminary hearing set for tomorrow, prosecutors must convince a judge that they have enough evidence to merit a trial. Roeder would then enter a plea.

Tiller, 67, had been the target of relentless protests for most of the 36 years that he performed abortions at his Wichita clinic. He was shot in both arms by an antiabortion activist in 1993, and his family said the doctor had been repeatedly threatened over the years.

Prosecutors have largely refused to discuss the case and Roeder’s comments to the press. Defense attorneys have not returned calls to the Associated Press seeking comment, and Roeder has declined to say what plea he plans to enter.

Roeder has had plenty else to say, however. With their client itching to talk - and with prosecutors apparently having several witnesses to the shooting - defense attorneys face a difficult case.

Among Roeder’s potential defenses is a diminished mental competency. His brother, David, has said Roeder suffered from mental illness at various times. Roeder denied that he is mentally ill now, but has acknowledged that he was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his late teens. He blames that on drug use then and said he has been clean for more than 20 years.

“Drugs are not a problem. My mental illness came from the use of drugs,’’ Roeder said. “When I quit, I haven’t had any problems.’’

If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces life in prison.