By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The extradition of James Kopp moved a step closer this week. French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin signed an order that would extradite Kopp to Buffalo where he faces charges in connection with the 1998 slaying of Dr. Barnett Slepian.
Jospin signed the extradition order Thursday five months after a French court ruled Kopp could be sent back to the United States. Still, it's not certain when Kopp will return. An appeal of the extradition could delay Kopp's trial for months.
Paul Cambria, Kopp's Buffalo attorney, wants Kopp returned to the United States. But his French attorney is urging him to appeal extradition.
Kopp faces both state and federal charges for allegedly killing Dr. Slepian at his Amherst home in October 1998. Kopp is charged with second degree murder and violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinics Act. He was arrested in March 2001 in Dinan France.
Local officials were notified the extradition order had been signed on Friday. They say it may take as long as a year before Kopp returns if he goes ahead with his appeal.