The trial for Alabama fan Harvey Updyke, the man accused of poisoning the oak trees at Auburn’s Toomer’s Corner, was set to start on March 5. Following a motion that was released last month, however, that trial has been delayed.
The Birmingham News reports that Lee County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Walker approved a request by Updyke’s lawyer, Everett Wess, to have the trial postponed so that the defense can have more time interview witnesses and prepare their case.
Wess also asked that the trial be moved to Birmingham, Jefferson County, Mobile County or Madison County. The next hearing in the case is set for March 14, at which time other motions that have been filed will be discussed.
Updyke pleaded not guilty in May to two felony counts of first-degree criminal mischief, two felony counts for unlawful damage, vandalism or theft of property from a farm animal or crop facility and two misdemeanor counts of desecrating a venerated object.