OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — A University of Alabama fan accused of poisoning Auburn University’s landmark oak trees in a fit of football rivalry is voluntarily surrendering himself into custody for psychiatric testing at a state mental facility.
The move means Harvey Updyke’s trial, set to begin next week, will almost certainly be postponed. But circuit Judge Jacob A. Walker III didn’t immediately rule on a defense request to delay the trial.
Prosecutors had asked the judge to revoke Updyke’s bond following his arrest during a recent dispute at a store in Louisiana.
With a police officer in court ready to testify this morning to what happened, Updyke’s lawyers skipped the formal bond hearing and said their client would instead voluntarily surrender for psychiatric testing.
