Murderer US evangelist is evil of worst kind, according to prosecutors

Birmingham Star Saturday 22nd May, 2010

A US evangelist in Alabama, who terrorized his family and ultimately killed his wife and stored her body in the freezer, has been sentenced to 51 years in prison.

Anthony Hopkins was, according to court documents, preaching the word of God at revivals in north Mobile, Alabama even as he inflicted abuse on his wife and eight children at home, using the bible to justify his actions.

During the trial, prosecutors said Hopkins killed his wife when she found him molesting an eight year old girl. He stored her body in a home freezer and it was found by police in 2008 when another young female victim of his advances went to the police.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Rich labelled Hopkins “evil of the worst kind”.

Jeff Deen, Hopkins’ defence lawyer, said they would appeal the ruling, citing a lack of evidence that Hopkins killed his wife.

“There's evidence in the trial that it could've been by natural causes, and it needs to be explored on appeal,” he said.

Two of the children are adults, while the six minors are reportedly staying with relatives in Georgia.