Opinion ID: 160511
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: militia groups

Text: Mr. Nichols also argues several lead sheets show Mr. McVeigh had connections to militia groups that did not include Mr. Nichols. While Mr. Nichols refers to a number of -9- lead sheets showing a connection between McVeigh and others and several militia groups, he does little to argue these are exculpatory. Apparently, he relies on the inference that Mr. McVeigh was reaching out to others; therefore, Mr. Nichols’ participation was diminished or had ceased to exist. If we correctly interpret his argument, we think it lacks substance. Mr. Nichols contends two sheets in particular are key, one claiming Mr. McVeigh visited the founder of the Elohim City group the week before the bombing, and another showing a call from Mr. McVeigh to a leader of the group on April 5, 1995. (The latter call was documented in phone records turned over to the defense by the FBI.). The visit to the Elohim City compound is at odds with testimony placing Mr. McVeigh at a Kansas motel at the same time, but even if true, does little to advance Mr. Nichols’ cause. Were these facts made known to the jury, we believe the verdict would have been the same because any contact between Mr. McVeigh and various militia groups does not diminish Mr. Nichols’ own participation in the conspiracy.