Anti-Abortionist To Use Insanity Defense

A man accused of killing two women in attacks on a pair of abortion clinics last year will use an insanity defense, according to papers filed Friday by his lawyer.

John C. Salvi III pleaded innocent to charges of murder but has refused to discuss the case with his lawyers. He has repeatedly said he is competent and wants the death penalty if he is convicted.

“We expect to present significant evidence that John Salvi has had a long-standing serious mental illness,” J.W. Carney Jr. said after notifying the court of the defense’s plans.