Video: Sheriff’s deputy threatens Harvey Updyke’s wife with jail
Jury selection begins Tuesday in the trial of accused Auburn tree poisoner and over-the-top Alabama fan Harvey Updyke. But his wife, Elva, was the one who was threatened with jail.
Check out the video. The excitement begins at 1: 25.
The Updyke’s were in the Lee County Justice Center in Opelika, Ala., on Monday to watch a videotaped deposition of a key prosecution witness.
Elva Updyke got into an argument with a Lee County sheriff’s deputy as Harvey was going through a security checkpoint inside the courthouse.
Elva was concerned about TV crews taking video of her husband. The sheriff’s deputy told her to move away and threatened to lock her up.
“Do you want to go to jail?” asked the deputy. “Stand right over there. Stand right over there by the pole.”
“I can’t stand over there,” Elva Updyke said.
Harvey Updyke put his finger to his lips to try to calm his irate wife.
Prosecutors say Harvey Updyke allegedly poisoned the 130-year-old oak trees at Toomer’s Corner that have been the site of celebrations following Auburn football victories.
He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal mischief and two counts of desecrating a venerable object, among other charges.
The trial could last two weeks.
Updyke could spend several years in prison if he’s convicted.
