John Salvi

John Salvi

John Salvi III carried out two fatal attacks on Massachusetts abortion clinics in 1994. Prior to his trial, a four-day competency hearing was held. Three experts, including Dr. Phillip Resnick, testified for the defense, saying that Salvi was mentally ill and obsessed with an “international conspiracy” against Catholics. The prosecution’s expert, Dr. Joel Haycock, who spent eleven hours with Salvi during the defendant’s 60 days under observation at Bridgewater State Hospital, testified that he found no mental disease and believed Salvi was competent. The transcript of the entire hearing, plus audio excerpts of Resnick’s interview, are available at a PBS Frontline web page, “Murder on Abortion Row.” Salvi was tried and convicted. He was found dead in his prison cell not long thereafter.

Transcript of Competency Hearing

Transcript of Dr. Resnick’s Competency Interview

Audio Excerpts of Dr. Resnick’s Interview