Dr. George Tiller Shot and Killed

Sedgwick County 911 dispatchers are confirming that the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a possible suspect in Dr. George Tiller’s murder. A car matching the description of the vehicle wanted in the killing was pulled over near Gardner, KS. Wichita Police said a 51-year-old man is under arrest and will likely be booked on one count of murder this evening. The man could also face charges for threatening two other church members and pointing a gun at them.

The stop was made along I-35 near Gardner, south of Kansas City.

Dr. Tiller was shot and killed this morning at his church. Authorities were called to a shooting at Reformation Lutheran Church in the 7600 block of E. 13th Street at 10:03 this morning. Police said Dr. Tiller was in the foyer at the back of the church. Deputy Police Chief Tom Stolz said 6 to 12 people may have witnessed the shooting.

Stolz said two men tried to apprehend the gunman. The gunman threatened the two men and pointed the gun at them.

Wichita police investigators are on their way to Johnson County to return the suspect to Sedgwick County to face charges.

Earlier this year, Tiller was acquitted of 19 misdemeanor criminal charges that he did not follow state law when getting a second opinion on late-term abortions. A jury acquitted Tiller of those charges on March 27.

On August 19, 1993, Tiller was shot outside his East Wichita abortion clinic by pro-life activist Shelly Shannon. He was wounded in both arms, but made a full recovery. Shannon was eventually convicted.