Paul Jennings Hill American Assassin Date of Birth: 06.02.1954 Country: USA

Biography of Paul Jennings Hill

Paul Jennings Hill, the first person to be executed in the United States for the murder of an abortion-performing doctor, was born on February 6, 1954, in Miami, Florida. He grew up in Coral Gables, Florida, where he was described as a quiet and reserved young man. Despite being well-regarded in school, Hill faced accusations of attacking his own father at the age of 17. His father was trying to help him overcome his drug addiction and insisted on special treatment.

In 1973, two years after the incident with his father, Hill turned to religion. That same year, he became a student at Belhaven College, where he met his future wife, Karen Demuth. They had three children together: Justin, Gloria, and Joy. Hill graduated from Belhaven College and the Reformed Theological Seminary. After being ordained in 1984, Hill became a minister in the connected Presbyterian Church in America and Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

In 1993, Hill was excommunicated from the church after a series of televised appearances where he claimed to be the new national spokesperson for anti-abortionists and doctors who perform abortions. He also mentioned his affiliation with the "Army of God," a Christian terrorist sect advocating for the "killing of killers." Soon after, Hill shifted from words to actions.

On July 29, 1994, Hill appeared at a clinic in Pensacola, Florida, where abortions were performed. Upon noticing Dr. John Britton, a 69-year-old doctor at the clinic, and his bodyguard, 74-year-old former Air Force lieutenant James Barrett, Hill shot them both at close range with a shotgun. Hill aimed for the doctor's head suspecting he may be wearing a bulletproof vest. Both Dr. Britton and James Barrett died instantly. Hill also wounded James Barrett's wife, 68-year-old retired nurse June Barrett. After completing his attack on the elderly individuals, Hill placed his weapon on the ground and awaited arrest.

During the trial, the judge denied Hill the opportunity to make a statement in his defense. Hill claimed that his actions were a form of self-defense rather than a criminal act. On December 6, 1994, Hill was sentenced to death by lethal injection according to Florida law. His death sentence was signed by Governor Jeb Bush nine years later. In his final statement, Hill expressed no remorse for his actions and believed that he would receive a reward in heaven. He also left behind a handwritten manifesto that his supporters promised to publish. His manifesto and his plea to the jurors who found him guilty echoed the words of John Brown, a historical figure who used violent means to fight against slavery in the United States and was hanged in 1859. Hill clearly viewed himself as a hero and martyr, urging opponents of abortion to follow his example.

Paul Jennings Hill died by lethal injection in the Florida State Prison on September 3, 2003.