McVeigh plans to speak at his sentencing

DENVER (CNN) -- Convicted Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, who was silent during his six-week trial, plans to make a statement when he is formally sentenced Thursday to death by lethal injection, according to his lawyer.

McVeigh, whose request for a new trial was turned down Monday by U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch, will read a statement he is composing himself, attorney Stephen Jones said.

Also, in a telephone interview from his Englewood, Colorado, prison cell, McVeigh told the Buffalo News that Jones "repeatedly lied" to him, and he wants a new attorney. In the article published Wednesday, McVeigh said Jones promised to remove himself from the case once the trial was over, but has now gone back on his word.

"The truth is this guy only succeeded in getting the death sentence and now he doesn't want to let go," McVeigh said Tuesday. "He screwed up badly, but I'm not bitter," he added. "I only want him off my appeal."

Jones told the paper he is legally obligated to represent McVeigh "until such time, if ever, the court appoints someone else."

McVeigh was convicted June 2 in the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building that killed 168 people.

• Newsmaker profile: Timothy McVeigh
• Video Almanac: 1995 - Oklahoma City bombing
• Message Board: McVeigh retrial

Related stories:

• Deadline set for response to McVeigh's motion for new trial - July 9, 1997
• Tim McVeigh asks for new trial - July 7, 1997
• McVeigh's attorneys to ask for new trial - July 6, 1997
• McVeigh defense considers basis for appeal - June 16, 1997

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