DENVER – A federal judge denied convicted Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh a stay of execution, ruling that newly released FBI documents do not change the fact that he is guilty.
McVeigh’s attorneys said they would appeal immediately. His execution is still set for Monday.
U.S. DISTRICT Judge Richard Matsch issued his ruling after a hearing at which government prosecutors and McVeigh’s attorneys presented arguments. “I find there is no good cause to delay the execution,” said Matsch. “Whatever in time may be disclosed about the possible (actions) of others, it will not change the fact that Timothy McVeigh was the instrument of death and destruction.”
Matsch did have harsh words for the FBI, however, describing his reaction to first learning of the documents found last month. “It’s a good thing I was in quiet chambers and not in court because my judicial temperament escaped me when I read it. It was shocking,” he told the attorneys during the hearing.
