by TChris

TalkLeft predicted that death row inmate David Paul Hammer would be called as a defense witness in the trial of Terry Nichols. Judge Steven Taylor has now overruled the prosecution's objection to Hammer's testimony, clearing the way for Hammer to take the stand.

Hammer is expected to testify that Timothy McVeigh told him that Nichols refused to take part in the Oklahoma City bombing and that the bomb was assembled at an Oklahoma City warehouse, not in Nichols' Kansas home as authorities claim. Hammer may also reveal the identity of John Doe No. 2, the man some witnesses saw with McVeigh on the day of the bombing.

The prosecution calls Hammer "one of the least credible sources ever to serve time" in an Oklahoma prison. But the prosecution's star witness against Nichols, Michael Fortier, is serving a federal prison sentence for knowing about the bomb plot and not telling authorities. Funny how the prosecution thinks its own incarcerated witness is credible while the defense witness isn't.

It's ultimately up the jury to decide whether any witness is worthy of belief. The jury will hear opening statements Monday.