Vermont man sought as witness in slaying of N.Y. abortion doctor

Investigators said Wednesday they are looking for a Vermont man for questioning in the fatal shooting of abortion doctor Barnett Slepian.

James Charles Kopp of St. Albans, Vt., is being sought as a material witness in the case, meaning he is not a suspect, but police believe he has information that would help in the investigation.The Buffalo News had reported Monday that police were investigating why a Vermont man with ties to the anti-abortion movement was jogging near the Slepian home. The story did not identify the man, and investigators Wednesday wouldn't say whether Koop had ties to the anti-abortion movement or whether he was believed to be the jogger.

Slepian, 52, was killed by a sniper Oct. 23 while at home in the Buffalo suburb of Amherst with his wife and four sons. Police believe his killing was connected to four other shootings of doctors who performed abortions in Canada and the United States.

Police issued a 1997 photograph of Kopp, 44, a white man with brown hair and a goatee. Other than that, authorities gave no personal information on him today.

"We don't have any idea where he is. We are looking for him everywhere we can," said FBI special agent Bernard Tolbert. Canadian authorities are also looking for him, Tolbert said.