Fugitive Killer May Come Home

American-born fugitive Ira Einhorn might be headed back to court in the U.S.

A French court Thursday accepted a U.S. request for Einhorn's extradition, but only on condition that he will not face the death penalty.

The court demanded that Einhorn receive a new trial in Pennsylvania, where he was convicted in absentia and sentenced to life in prison for the 1977 slaying of his girlfriend.

The 58-year-old Einhorn, a prominent anti-war campaigner and activist in the 1960s, fled the United States 17 years ago, just before he was to be tried in connection with the murder of Helen "Holly" Maddux.

Einhorn denied the crime and says he was framed by authorities, even though police found Maddux's corpse stuffed in a trunk in a closet at his Philadelphia home.

Neighbors had reported a stench coming from Einhorn's apartment, and Maddux's battered remains were found. Forensic experts said her skull had been smashed.

After 16 years on the run, authorities found Einhorn and arrested him at his French home in June 1997. He has been fighting extradition ever since.

Two of the victim's sisters, who had flown to France for the third time in three months, expressed joy and relief after the verdict was read.

"I'm jumping all over inside," said Elisabeth Hall, a sister of the victim. "I feel a great deal of vindication. Einhorn is about to come face-to-face with the consequences of his actions."

After hearing the verdict, Einhorn turned around and smiled. He then returned to his home in a village north of Bordeaux, said his lawyer, Dominique Tricaud.

Tricaud said Einhorn would appeal the decision, and that the entire process could take up to two years.

A French court had refused to extradite Einhorn in 1997, citing a French law that requires a retrial for all defendants. Pennsylvania then passed a law promising Einhorn a retrial.

Einhorn was re-arrested in September 1998 but at a subsequent court hearing, he was ordered released.