Judge sets deadlines in Nichols case

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A judge did not rule today on a motion to dismiss state murder charges against Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols. <br><br>But Judge Steven Taylor set strict deadlines

Tuesday, October 14th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A judge did not rule today on a motion to dismiss state murder charges against Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols.

But Judge Steven Taylor set strict deadlines in the case and says dismissing it or prohibiting the state from seeking the death penalty are options if the deadlines aren't met.

Taylor is giving state and defense attorneys until February 13th to complete interviews with potential witnesses in the case.

Nichols' trial on 161 state counts of first-degree murder is to begin March first in McAlester. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Taylor has threatened to dismiss the case because the federal government has failed to make potential prosecution witnesses available for interviews with Nichols' attorneys.

The next hearing in the case is set for October 31st.