Trial for man accused of intending to kill abortion providers

Marshfield man charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide

MADISON, Wis. — The trial for a Marshfield man accused of intending to kill doctors who provide abortions is underway, two years after he was arrested at a Madison motel.

Ralph Lang, 64, is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide. His arrest came after he accidentally fired a gun inside an eastside motel in May 2011, police said.

Lang sat in court Wednesday, unshaven and wearing glasses.

During opening statements, the prosecutor, Bob Kaiser said Lang intended to kill multiple doctors who provide abortions.

“In his own words it was his job to follow through with his plan to do the job police weren’t doing. He said to put abortion doctors six feet under,” said Kaiser.

Defense attorney Eric Schulenburg said Lang’s actions meant more.

“He told them what he would do, and by telling them he stopped everything. He knew they weren’t going to let him do that. He knew he was going to get arrested. He stopped it himself,” said Schulenburg.

Madison Detective Angie Dyhr took the stand. She is the officer who spoke with Lang the day his gun shot through the door of a Motel 6 room.

Dyhr said Lang told her he came to Madison to see an abortionist.

“I asked him what he meant by that, and he said he had come to Madison to shoot an abortionist,” said Dyhr.

The trial will continue Thursday morning, when Lang’s brother is expected to take the stand.

At the end of Wednesday’s session, Lang indicated he would take the stand himself.

Lang also faces federal charges of attempting to injure people involved in a federally funded program.