Dr. George Tiller's assassin convicted of first-degree murder

Scott Roeder, who confessed under oath to murdering Dr. George Tiller (pictured), was found guilty today of premeditated first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault. He will be sentenced on March 9. He's not eligible for the death penalty, but according to AP:
"Roeder faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Prosecutor Nola Foulston said she would pursue a so-called 'Hard 50' sentence, which would require Roeder to serve at least 50 years before he can be considered for parole."Not much to really say about this. I'm glad he was convicted of first-degree murder, I'm glad none of his crazy "necessity" defenses worked, I'm glad the judge didn't let the jury consider a lesser charge of manslaughter. I am not glad the country lost such a great, important doctor. Despite this conviction, this story is still tragic and horrifying.

Tiller's family released a statement today:
Lee Thompson and Dan Monnat, Dr. George Tiller's attorneys, issued the following statement today at the request of Mrs. Jeanne Tiller and the Tiller family.

"The family of Dr. George Tiller would like to thank the jury, District Attorney Nola Foulston and her office and law enforcement for their service in this difficult matter. Once again, a Sedgwick County jury has reached a just verdict. We also want to thank George's countless friends and supporters in Wichita and around the country who have offered their comfort.

At this time we hope that George can be remembered for his legacy of service to women, the help he provided for those who needed it and the love and happiness he provided us as a husband, father and grandfather."More reading:

• AlterNet: "The Absurdity of the Roeder Argument."
• Roeder Watch: For all past coverage of the trial and the time leading up to it.
• NARAL: "NARAL Pro-Choice America Statement on Jury’s Conviction of Scott Roeder."
• New York Times: "Jury Reaches Guilty Verdict in Murder of Abortion Doctor."