OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — The trial of an Alabama fan accused of poisoning Auburn's cherished Toomer's Corner oak trees is approaching opening statements.
Day 3 of jury selection begins Thursday morning with some 50 people still under consideration to hear the case of Harvey Updyke. That group will be narrowed down to 33 by computer, including potential alternates. Attorneys for each side will have six strikes after a computer randomly whittles it down to 24.
On Wednesday, Judge Jacob Walker didn't grant the defense's request for a change of venue after Auburn's student newspaper reported that Updyke confessed earlier in the week.
The longtime Alabama fan Updyke has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect on charges that include criminal mischief and desecrating a venerable object.
Ex-Hit Man's Past Is a Shock to Some Neighbors
Fans: Gandofini 'Put New Jersey on the Map'
Does Future of Human Race Depend on Kansas Mine?
Reining in 'Bad News' Sports Parents
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
