McVeigh Wants to Drop His Lead Attorney for Appeals

Convicted Oklahoma City bomber Timothy J. McVeigh said he wants lead defense attorney Stephen Jones removed from his case because Jones has “repeatedly” lied to him, a published report said Wednesday.

In a telephone interview from an Englewood, Colo., prison, McVeigh told the Buffalo News that he wants two other members of his defense team, Richard Burr and Robert Nigh Jr., to represent him in his appeal.

McVeigh also told the newspaper that he would make a statement today when U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch in Denver formally imposes the jury’s death sentence on him.

McVeigh was convicted in June of the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building that killed 168 people.

McVeigh said Jones promised to remove himself from the case once the bombing trial was completed.

“The truth is this guy only succeeded in getting the death sentence and now he doesn’t want to let go,” McVeigh said.

“He screwed up badly but I’m not bitter,” said McVeigh, a native of Pendleton, outside Buffalo. “I only want him off my appeal.”

Jones said he was legally obligated to represent McVeigh at least until the first appeal failed.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, President Clinton viewed a design for a memorial to stand at the site of the bombed building in Oklahoma City, praising it as a symbol “of true power and amazing grace.” It features 168 empty stone chairs facing a reflecting pool and an American elm that withstood the blast.