Abortion Opponent Is Arraigned on Charge of Trying to Murder Judge

An abortion opponent was arraigned Wednesday on a charge of trying to assassinate a Tulare County judge who ordered a birth control implant for a woman convicted of beating her children.

Defendant Harry Raymond Bodine said he wanted to represent himself against the charge of firing a gunshot that narrowly missed Superior Court Judge Howard Broadman in court on Monday.

“I do not want people to think I am mentally ill,” Bodine said. “By choosing a jury and going through this by myself, I will show clearly it was in accord with my religious principles.”

Bodine said he typed his defense two months ago and carried it into court. “It’s all prepared, and I just need subpoenas,” he said.

But Municipal Judge Ron Couillard said he would appoint a defense attorney and noted that Bodine could receive a life sentence if convicted.

“The consequences of an abortion drug is such I am willing to accept the consequences,” Bodine replied.

Broadman and his bailiff sat in the rear of Municipal Court observing the arraignment.

Broadman apparently became a target because he ordered a long-term birth control implant called Norplant as a condition of probation for a woman convicted of child abuse. The woman was pregnant with her fifth child.

Witnesses said the gunman put his .357 magnum pistol on the bailiff’s table after firing one shot Monday and said: “I’m guilty. I did it. Those drugs kill babies.”

Bodine, 44, belongs to an anti-abortion organization in this community 150 miles north of Los Angeles.

The criminal complaint charges Bodine with attempted murder of a public official, Tulare County Dist. Atty. Gerald Sevier said. Bodine also faces counts of attempted murder, possessing a weapon in a courtroom and resisting an officer.