Terry Nichols' attorneys outline case for life at state murder trial

Thursday, June 3rd 2004, 5:39 am

By: News On 6

(McAlester-AP) -- Attorneys for Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols say his belief in God and the role he plays in the lives of his three children should be enough for jurors to spare him from the death penalty.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys today met with Judge Steven Taylor without the jury present. They were deciding what factors could be presented to the jury who will decide if Nichols should be put to death for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Jurors have already found him guilty of 161 murder charges. The prosecution finished presenting evidence Thursday during the punishment phase of the trial.

The defense will begin presenting evidence on Monday.

The defense hopes to persuade the jury not to give Nichols death by showing them that he has responded warmly to victims who have tried to communicate with him and has been a religious mentor while in jail.

He is already serving a federal life sentence for the deaths of eight federal agents killed in the Oklahoma City bombing.