State rests in Nichols trial

McALESTER, Okla. -- Prosecutors rested yesterday in the state murder trial of Terry Nichols, who they argued was deeply involved in the plans to bomb the Oklahoma City federal building.

Prosecutors presented evidence over 29 days that they said links Nichols to the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building-- the worst act of domestic terrorism in US history. If convicted, he may face the death penalty.

The defense is to begin its case Thursday.

Doctors who performed autopsies on bombing victims wrapped up the prosecutors' case, describing how some victims died of decapitation and other traumatic injuries, such as severed limbs and skull fractures.

The April 19, 1995, bombing killed 168 people and injured more than 500 others. Timothy McVeigh was convicted of murder in federal court and executed.

Nichols, 49, is already serving a life sentence after a federal jury convicted him of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of eight federal agents in the bombing. In Oklahoma, he is charged with 161 counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of the other 160 victims, one of whom was pregnant. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

The state's star witness, Michael Fortier, testified over three days that McVeigh told him Nichols was deeply involved in the planning. Fortier, McVeigh, and Nichols met in the Army.

Prosecutors allege Nichols helped McVeigh gather bomb components and pack the device into the back of a Ryder truck.

Fortier said McVeigh told him that Nichols also robbed an Arkansas gun dealer to help finance the plot.