German court convicts former Nazi hitman

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From Frederik Pleitgen, CNN
March 23, 2010 7:54 a.m. EDT

Berlin, Germany (CNN) -- A German court sentenced an 88-year-old former Nazi hitman to life in prison Tuesday for the killing of three civilians in World War II, a spokesman for the Aachen State Court said.

Heinrich Boere, who was born in the Netherlands, admitted his guilt during the trial, court spokesman Georg Winkel said.

Boere may appeal the verdict, and it is believed he will maintain that his failing health should prevent him from going to jail, Winkel said.

Boere was convicted for the killings of three Dutch civilians in the Netherlands in 1944 when he was part of the SS, the ruthless Nazi protective squad.