Bombing Prosecutor To Leave After Trial

The lead prosecutor in the Oklahoma City bombing case is leaving after Timothy McVeigh’s trial and won’t participate in the trial of co-defendant Terry Nichols, according to news reports.

Joseph Hartzler’s decision to step down from the case he volunteered for two years ago means other federal prosecutors must step in and prepare the star witnesses for Nichols’ trial, The Sunday Oklahoman and Los Angeles Times reported.

Hartzler, 46, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair, was chosen by Attorney General Janet Reno to lead the bombing prosecution team in May 1995.

He declined to comment on his reasons for leaving.