MCALESTER, Okla., May 25 (UPI) -- Attorneys argued Tuesday in closing arguments that Terry Nichols is the innocent victim of a setup in the Oklahoma City bombing.
Nichols is facing state murder charges for his role in the 1995 attack on the Murrah Federal Building that killed 168 people. The jury is expected to begin deliberations when closing arguments are concluded late Tuesday or Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, defense attorneys told jurors bombing mastermind Timothy McVeigh used his old Army buddy Nichols in the plot and set him up, the Oklahoman reported.
"This is a case about manipulation, betrayal and overreaching," defense attorney Barbara Bergman said. "People who are still unknown assisted Timothy McVeigh."
Defense attorney Brian Hermanson said the prosecution failed to prove its case against Nichols, who could be sentenced to death if convicted in the state trial.
Prosecutors said Monday the evidence against Nichols was "overwhelming." They said he bankrolled the plot, gathered the explosives, and helped build the bomb that McVeigh exploded in a truck outside the Murrah building.
Nichols is already serving a life prison sentence on a federal conviction in the case. McVeigh was executed three years ago for his role in the attack.
