Perhaps we’re investing too much time into this story?
As it is, though, the court appointed lawyer of Harvey Almorn Updyke, the man charged with poisoning the 130-year-old live oak trees at Toomer’s Corner, has asked to be removed from representing Updyke.
Attorney Philip O. Tyler cited a conflict of interest in the case.
And, yes, it’s because Tyler is associated with Auburn University.
In a motion to withdraw, Tyler explains that “numerous personal and family ties to Auburn University”, as well as his job as a part-time professor at the university, create the conflict. Tyler is a resident of Auburn and the law firm for which he works also represents Auburn.