Here’s the latest from ace Associated Press reporter John Zenor reporting on the scene.
OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — The lawyer for the man charged with poisoning landmark trees at Auburn’s Toomer’s Corner has waived a preliminary hearing in the case.
Defense attorney Glennon Threatt Jr. announced his decision during a court appearance Wednesday in Opelika with his client, Harvey Updyke Jr., who wore a crimson tie.
Threatt got his client’s bond conditions changed to allow Updyke to live with relatives in Louisiana.
Threatt had earlier tried to work out a plea deal with prosecutors, but they rejected it. He wanted his client to avoid serving any more time in jail. Threatt says he sought a deal because innocent people sometimes get convicted.
Updyke is free on bond after being charged with first-degree criminal mischief in the poisoning of the trees, where Auburn traditionally celebrates sports victories.
