4th Lawyer in a Week for Alabama Fan Charged in Auburn Tree Poisoning Apparently Will Stay On Case
Criminally charged last week in the alleged poisoning of live oak trees near Auburn University that play an iconic role in the school’s football rivalry with the University of Alabama, a Crimson Tide fan has already hit the trifecta, reports the College Football Talk page of NBC sports.
Three court-appointed lawyers have been tapped to represent Harvey Updyke Jr. in the case following his arrest last Thursday, and all have sought to withdraw. So far, the court has granted withdrawal motions by at least the first two, Philip Tyler and Jerry Hauser, who cited conflicts due to their close ties with the university. The third attorney, Jerry Blevins, said he has an “irreconcilable conflict” after meeting with his would-be client, recounts the Birmingham News.
However, a fourth lawyer, Glennon Threatt, has volunteered to represent Updyke on a pro bono basis in the Lee County Circuit Court case, reports another Montgomery Advertiser article.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he took credit for something he didn’t do,” says Threatt of his client, reports the Opelika-Auburn News.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Man Charged in Auburn U Live Oaks Poisoning; Trees Given ‘Very Low Probability’ to Survive”
ABAJournal.com: “Law Grad Helps Lead ‘Tide for Toomer’s’ Fund-Raiser for Poisoned Auburn Live Oaks”
