Drill Bit Markings Appear to Link Nichols to Oklahoma City Blast

A drill bit found in Terry Nichols’ house made markings similar to those found on a padlock at a quarry where he is accused of stealing explosives used in the Oklahoma bombing, an FBI expert testified Friday.

Jurors watched intently as the expert, James Cadigan, displayed pictures comparing markings on the padlock with those he created with the bit found in Nichols’ basement.

Cadigan’s testimony is part of the government’s efforts to connect Nichols with the acquisition of components for the bomb that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 people. The bomb was a mixture of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and fuel oil.

Nichols, 42, is accused of robbing an Arkansas gun dealer to raise money to carry out the April 19, 1995, bombing, the worst act of terrorism on U.S. soil.

He also allegedly purchased about 2 tons of ammonium nitrate and stole explosives from the quarry near Marion, Kan., in September or October 1994.

The padlock was on a trailer containing bags of a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel, said Bud Radtke, a quarry employee.

Earlier Friday, FBI agent Mary Jasnowski testified that agents found ammonium nitrate fertilizer on the white steps of Nichols’ two-bedroom frame home in Herington, Kan., three days after the bombing.

Nichols has said he spread ammonium nitrate fertilizer on his lawn.

Agents also found guns, ammunition and a Michigan license plate linked to Nichols’ aliases, Jasnowski said.