wednesday, october 15, 2003
news
the university daily kansan
7A
Judge refuses delay of bombing trial
The Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY - A judge yesterday refused to delay the state's murder trial against Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols despite claims that the federal government is not cooperating in making witnesses available to defense attorneys.
But District Judge Steven Taylor issued a Feb. 13 deadline for the government to make witnesses available for interviews, saying the delay was jeopardizing Nichols' right to a fair trial.
"At what point do the problems presented by the federal government become the state's prob
lem and my problem in guaranteeing Mr. Nichols a fair trial?" Taylor asked in a pre-trial hearing.
Brian Hermanson, Nichols' attorney, had argued that dismissal of the case would be the fairest option. "If this had been any other case, I would have interviewed these witnesses years ago." he said.
The judge's comments renewed complaints he had made in a written order last week chiding the government about the availability of witnesses. The trial begins March 1.
last week, saying the judge has become "visibly frustrated" and could decide to throw out the case or prohibit the use of the death penalty.
"It is the unfortunate circumstance that the state finds itself in the position of having fought for several years to bring this case to trial — and to finally be on the very eve of the trial — only to find that the federal government can hamstring our prosecution by its refusal to cooperate," Lane wrote.
Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane sent a letter to Attorney General John Ashcroft
U. S. Attorney Robert McCampbell said the government has misgivings over the intentions of Nichols' attorneys.
944 Mass.
832-8228
"Some of the effort by the
defense in the current case seems designed to try to undermine confidence in the federal conviction rather than to prepare for trial in state court," wrote McCampbell. The U.S. attorney also said 16 of the 50 witnesses requested have already been questioned under oath by a lawyer for Nichols in his federal case.
Nichols, 48, was convicted of federal charges in the 1995 bombing and sentenced to life in prison for the death of eight federal agents. He now faces 161 state counts of first-degree murder for the 160 other victims, plus a fetus whose mother was killed. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
VIOLENCE: Crimes raise alertness
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
him. When he and his girlfriend got out of the car in the 400 block of Elm Street, the suspects got out and attacked him.
"He Tased me a couple of times," Brown said. "We got into a little tussle, and then his buddy stepped out with a gun and fired a couple rounds."
Brown told his girlfriend to get down on the ground.
"I think I hit the ground at the last gunshot," he said.
No one was injured, but Brown said one of the gunshots hit his driver's side door, and another hit his tire. Brown said if someone was confronted by a person with a gun, they should do whatever the attacker said.
"I'd definitely just listen to him," Brown said. "If they've got the guts to pull the gun, they've probably got the guts to pull the trigger."
Sgt. Mike Patrick of the Lawrence Police Department agreed with Brown.
"Your life is worth more than money," Patrick said. "Your life is worth more than property. You shouldn't risk your life for a piece of property."
Patrick said victims of crimes involving a weapon should try to get as accurate a description of
SOME AGGRAVATED ROBBERIES IN LAWRENCE
On Sept. 20, a 21-year-old University of Kansas student was robbed at gunpoint in the 1300 block of Ohio Street.
Un Sept. 23, a 23-year-old Lawrence resident was robbed at gunpoint outside of Bubba's, 2228 Iowa St.
On Oct. 1, a McClouth resident was robbed at gunpoint in the 400 block of Elm Street.
Source: Lawrence Police Department reports
"I'd definitely just listen to him. If they've got the guts to pull the gun, they've probably got the guts to pull the trigger." Jonathan Brown McClouth resident
the suspect as possible.
AWARD: Nigerian gives $25,000
Edited by JJ Hensley
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
Marwa thanked the University, the Provost and God, among others. He declined to take full credit for his accomplishments.
associate professor in African and African-American studies and evening presenter. But this was the first time to honor an African, he said.
"I make no claims for doing it all alone, single handedly," Marwa said. "I am the product of those who are unseen tonight."
As a former governor of the Lagos state in Nigeria and a renowned philanthroper and business mogul in Africa, Marwa said he was keen to see discussion of African politics.
Marwa was a clear choice, Gusau said. Gusau noted that Marwa's accomplishments—including founding one of Nigeria's leading airlines and shepherding in democracy to the country—have been completed in 50 years. Marwa's feats, Gusau said, were more in line with someone who had 80 years to accomplish them.
Last night's ceremony included a video tribute, that guided attendees back to Africa. Marwa became governor for the Lagos State in Nigeria during a
time of crisis. Public transportation, health care, and economic conditions were in a dire state, said the video commentary in "Marwa's Midas Touch in Lagos State."
Marwa, a Harvard University graduate, was a part of Nigeria's military leadership before helping to usher in democracy to the Central African nation Gusau said Marwa was the architect of democracy in Nigeria, and that the Lagos state benefited from his work.
"He is a military man that defied the rules of the military," said Gusau.
After the ceremony, Provost David Shulenburger couldn't stop smiling. Shulenburger said he was surprised by Marwa's generosity.
Peter Ukpokodu, chairperson for the African and African American studies department, remained coy.
Knowing this, he extended an invitation. Next time, bring your friends, he said, reminding Marwa that he owns an airline.
"I know he's very generous and anything could happen," Ukpokodu said.
"The provost will provide accommodation," he said.
Edited by Michael Owells
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