BOMBING figures: How their lives have changed

An update on some of the key figures in the Oklahoma City bombing: <br><br>TERRY NICHOLS: In jail cell blocks from bombing site while preliminary hearings conducted for possible state trial on 160 counts

Sunday, May 6th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

An update on some of the key figures in the Oklahoma City bombing:

TERRY NICHOLS: In jail cell blocks from bombing site while preliminary hearings conducted for possible state trial on 160 counts of first-degree murder. Already sentenced to life in prison for federal convictions of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter in deaths of eight federal law enforcement officers in bombing.

MICHAEL FORTIER: Serving 12-year federal sentence after pleading guilty to having prior knowledge of the bombing plan but not alerting authorities. Also admitted lying to investigators, hiding evidence and trafficking in firearms the government said were stolen to finance bombing.

STEPHEN JONES: Represented McVeigh in federal trial; now in private practice in Enid, Okla. Wrote 1998 book theorizing bombing was result of international conspiracy. Maintains McVeigh was a patsy who claimed sole responsibility to protect Nichols from possible murder trial in Oklahoma. McVeigh unsuccessfully tried to get new trial, in part by claiming Jones provided inadequate defense.

CHARLIE HANGER: Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper who pulled McVeigh over for missing license plate 1 1/2 hours after bombing; now in patrol's criminal intelligence unit in Oklahoma City. Hanger ordered McVeigh out of car at gunpoint after noticing bulge in his jacket. Has largely avoided public eye since bombing, except for occasional appearances before law enforcement groups around the country.

AREN ALMON KOK: Mother of Baylee Almon, the dying 1-year-old whose picture in the arms of a firefighter became lasting image of attack; now spokeswoman for private foundation urging the installation of shatterproof glass in buildings.

CHRIS FIELDS: Firefighter shown in Pulitzer Prize-winning photo cradling Baylee Almon's limp body; still firefighter in Oklahoma City. Recently joined Aren Almon Kok to announce new safety windows at local Head Start facility.

CHARLES PORTER IV: Amateur photographer who won Pulitzer Prize for picture of Baylee Almon; worked in downtown bank at time. Accepted last year to three-year physical therapy program at Hampton University in Virginia.

BRANDON AND REBECCA DENNY: Two of six children in federal building's day-care center who survived blast. Brandon, 9, spent months in hospital with severe brain injuries; still has trouble gripping with right hand. Rebecca, 8, carries scars. Father Jim Denny, political novice, announced candidacy for Oklahoma governor in December.

BUD WELCH: Outspoken opponent of death penalty since 23-year-old daughter, Julie, killed in bombing. Speaks against capital punishment at engagements across country. In 1998, met McVeigh's father, Bill. Preaches forgiveness for Timothy McVeigh, but would like him to express remorse for bombing.