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Kragar7/28/2009 3:19:52 pm PDT

Trial set for anti-abortion activist in Kansas doctor’s death

Scott Roeder, 51, pleaded not guilty after being bound over to trial on charges of first-degree murder in the death of Dr. George Tiller, who ran a women’s clinic in which he performed abortions. Tiller was shot to death May 31 as services began at Reformation Lutheran Church. Roeder also faces two charges of aggravated assault for threatening church members Gary Hoepner and Keith Martin.

Sedgwick County Judge Warren Wilbert scheduled Roeder’s trial for September 21.

During a preliminary hearing Tuesday, Gary Hoepner, an usher and 52-year member of the church, testified he was talking with Tiller before services when a man walked up to them, “put a gun right up to George’s head and shot it.”