Abortion doc Gosnell a ‘wolf in sheeps’ clothing,’ says prosecutor [updated]

Opening arguments got underway Monday for the murder trial of West Philadelphia abortion provider Kermit Gosnell with statements from prosecuting attorney Joanne Pescatore.

Pescatore spoke for about an hour, prepping the jury for the graphic evidence that will presented later in the trial.

Gosnell, 72, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he killed seven late-term babies who were born alive at his clinic, as well as third-degree murder charges for an overdose death of a female patient.

 

Witnesses expected to take the stand against Gosnell include untrained staffers from his clinic who have already pleaded guilty to various charges, and the former maintenance man tasked with cleaning up after abortion procedures.

“This is not a case about abortion … this is a case about murder,” Pescatore told the jury, also calling Gosnell a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

Gosnell, meanwhile, appeared to be relaxed as he chatted with his defense attorney and took notes on a yellow legal pad.

Health & Science reporter Carolyn Beeler will have more on this story and the trial moves forward.