Harvey Updyke will eventually go on trial for his alleged involvement in poisoning the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner. It just won’t be any time in the near future.
Following Updyke’s alleged “confession” to The Auburn Plainsman, Lee County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Walker granted a continuance in the case this morning. The reasoning? The jury pool had been exposed to enough news through media and friends that they were officially tainted.
“We had a very unusual set of circumstance that occurred at the Justice Center Tuesday,” Walker said
Walker added that he would entertain the defense’s request for a change of venue at a later date.
Updyke’s attorney, Everett Wess, claims his client did not admit guilt to any reporters this week and added that Updyke wanted to continue the trial.
“Harvey’s shaken,” Wess, said. “This has been very stressful for him. He wanted to go through the process, but as his counsel, we advised him that this was the best course of action.”