McVeigh Evidence May Be in Nichols' Case

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) - Conversations between Timothy McVeigh and a fellow death row inmate could become key evidence in the state murder trial of bombing conspirator Terry Nichols, including testimony that McVeigh may have named others who were involved in the attack.

Over prosecution objections, Judge Steven Taylor has authorized inmate David Paul Hammer to testify for defense attorneys who believe McVeigh gave Hammer the identity of John Doe No. 2, a mystery man some claim to have seen with McVeigh on the day of the bombing.

Nichols' attorneys claim McVeigh had substantial help planning and executing the April 19, 1995, attack and that Nichols was set up to take the blame. snip

Prosecutors have asked the judge to block Hammer from testifying about a gang of white-supremacist bank robbers the defense alleges were involved in the deadly blast.

Authorities allege that Nichols robbed an Arkansas gun dealer in November 1994 to help finance the bomb plot, but defense attorneys believe the robbery was committed by a gang associated with the Aryan Republican Army.

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