June 26, 1995
From Correspondent Tony Clark
The Timothy McVeigh seen in this video and in still pictures released by his attorneys doesn't seem like a man in prison potentially facing the death penalty. He appears relaxed ... at times smiling and laughing.
It is a far different image than the one that came out in news reports since McVeigh's arrest two months ago, and that's exactly what McVeigh's attorneys want.Said Stephen Jones, one of McVeigh's attorneys, "I do think the public is entitled to know more about Mr. McVeigh than simply what the government releases anonymously."
So Sunday, Jones released several of McVeigh's military records ... records in which McVeigh was described as being enthusiastic and loyal and rated "among the best" in overall potential for promotion.
Stephen Jones: "This is a young man who served his country honorably for four years. He was top gunner which means he was the top of the 65 in the battalion. He was awarded the bronze star; the army commendation medal. He served his country with honor and distinction in the Persian Gulf and I think that needs to be considered."
Jones said McVeigh agreed to do an interview with Colonel David Hackworth for Newsweek so they could speak "soldier to soldier." When McVeigh was asked if he was responsible for the bombing, he would only say that he planned to plead not guilty.
Stephen Jones said that's what he told McVeigh to say. "I very carefully, or at least I tried very carefully to explain to him and Newsweek that there were certain things that he could say on the record and certain things that we could not talk about and specific facts or specific evidence relating to the case or the defense would in my opinion be prohibited under the local court rules and so he didn't talk about it."
McVeigh has been subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury on Tuesday to give a sample of his writing. It is believed the jury panel wants to compare his writing with that on the rental agreement for the Ryder truck believed used in the bombing. Stephen Jones says they may fight that subpoena. A decision will be made sometime Monday.
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