The man accused in the shooting rampage at a Colorado women’s health care clinic that provides abortions, has made his first court appearance and learned that he will face first-degree murder charges in the deaths of three people killed in the standoff with police.
Speaking in a raspy voice, Robert Lewis Dear on Monday appeared via a video hookup from the jail, where he has been held since surrendering after Friday’s five-hour siege.
The white-bearded suspect gazed downward during most of the hearing. Victims’ relatives watched from a courtroom. When asked by Judge Gilbert Martinez if he understood his rights, Dear replied, “no questions.”
The clinic’s parent organisation, Planned Parenthood, has said witnesses believe the gunman was motivated by his opposition to abortion. But Dear has been described by acquaintances as a reclusive loner who did not seem to have strong political or social opinions.
Whatever authorities decide about motive is sure to be controversial, given the political murkiness of Dear’s statements and the debate over Planned Parenthood, which was reignited in July when anti-abortion activists released undercover video they said showed the group’s personnel negotiating the sale of foetal organs.
Police have declined to speculate on a motive for the attack. A law enforcement official said Dear told authorities, “no more baby parts” during a rambling statement after being arrested. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not allowed to publicly discuss the ongoing investigation.
Public defender Daniel King, who represented Colorado theater shooter James Holmes will act as Dear’s attorney. The suspect is expected to be formally charged on December 9.
Dear (57), is accused of fatally shooting a university police officer who responded to the attack, as well as an Iraq war veteran and a mother of two inside the clinic. Nine other people were wounded.
After Monday’s hearing, District Attorney Dan May said Dear could face other charges, but he did not elaborate.
