BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The University of Alabama fan charged with poisoning Auburn University's landmark oak trees will go on trial in just two weeks. But it's still unclear if that will happen in Opelika or another city.
Harvey Updyke has twice cited extensive publicity and news coverage in asking a judge to move his trial outside of Lee County. Updyke's first trial there ended abruptly during jury selection in June after the school's student newspaper quoted Updyke as admitting his guilt.
Updyke denied the student paper's report and says he is innocent. But a judge suspended the trial and said he would try again to hold a trial beginning Oct. 1.
The judge said he would consider the venue question later, indicating he may attempt a second time to begin jury selection and determine whether an impartial panel can be selected in Lee County.
