Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 4, 1994 TAG: 9411040107
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: The Washington Post
DATELINE: PENSACOLA, FLA. NOTE: ABOVE LENGTH: Medium
The jury's 12-0 vote is not binding, but Escambia County Circuit Judge Frank Bell said he would give the recommendation ``great weight'' when Hill's final sentencing occurs early next month. If Hill is not sentenced to death, under Florida law he must be given life in prison without parole.
Hill showed no obvious emotion when the death sentence was recommended Thursday, just as he had remained passive Wednesday when the jury found him guilty. He was convicted of the first-degree murders of the doctor, John Britton, 69, and the unarmed escort, retired Air Force Lt. Col. James Barrett, 74, both of whom were shot last July as they arrived at a Pensacola women's clinic.
Before sentencing, Hill walked to the podium with a single sheaf of paper and broke his long courtroom silence.
``You have a responsibility to protect your neighbor's life, to use force if necessary to do so,'' said Hill.
``In an effort to suppress this truth, you may mix my blood with the blood of the unborn and those who have fought to defend the oppressed,'' he said. ``However, truth and righteousness will prevail. May God help you to protect the unborn as you would want to be protected.''
Then Hill sat down.
In the weeks before the trial and during his four days in the courtroom, Hill repeatedly asked to present a defense that would explain the slayings as ``a justifiable homicide'' to protect fetuses.
The motions were denied. So, too, was Hill's last-minute attempt to make Vincent Heuser Jr., an anti-abortion attorney from Louisville, Ky., his advising attorney. Instead, Hill defended himself.
The six man, six woman jury deliberated about four hours. At one point they asked the judge if a life sentence without parole really meant just that - or whether Hill might be freed at a future date. Bell simply told them to follow his earlier instructions.
by CNB