Harvey Updyke Arrested in Auburn University Tree Poisoning

A man was in court today charged with poisoning an Alabama university's famous 130-year-old oak trees.

Harvey Almo Updyke, 62, appeared in court today on suspicion of poisoning the oaks of Aubu university, Alabama, in what appears to be a revenge attack inspired by a college football game.

His arrest this moing comes after a man admitted on a radio show to poisoning the trees with an industrial herbicide in January - citing the fierce rivalry between nearby Alabama State and Aubu universities.

 

Police are now suspicious the caller, who identified himself as 'Al from Dadeville', was Updyke.

The famous oaks stand at Aubu's Toomer's Coer and are a symbol for university students who 'decorate' them by throwing toilet roll into the branches.

The tradition, known as 'rolling',  is used to celebrate events such as the winning of a football game.

On January 27 a man identifying himself as 'Al from Dadeville' rang up the Paul Finebaum radio talk show angry about the behaviour of Aubu university students.

The caller said he had witnessed Aubu students defacing the statue of legendary Alabama State University football coach Bear Bryant after the two clashed in the annual Iron Bowl game.

Tribute: Toni Rich holds her son Gabriel, 5, as students and supporters gather to pay tribute to live oaks at Toomer's Coer

Homage: Aubu fans gather in Toomer's Coer in Aubu in the traditional 'rolling' ceremony

'The weekend after the Iron Bowl I went to Aubu, Alabama, because I live 30 miles away, and I poisoned the 2 Toomer's trees,' the caller said.

It was announced by the university that the Aubu oak's had been poisoned on Wednesday.

The poisoning was kept a secret by police and university officials for fear of jeopardising the investigation, which has been active since January.

After the announcement hundreds of Aubu alum's and fans gathered to 'roll' the trees, possibly for the last time before they die.

The mayor of Aubu, Bill Ham, Jr said: 'On behalf of the citizens of Aubu, I am deeply saddened by the news that someone has poisoned the Toomer’s Oaks.

'Over the years, these beautiful old trees have come to represent the Aubu tradition and spirit.

'While this unfortunate act affects our entire community, I encourage my fellow citizens to move forward in the Aubu spirit.

'I have the utmost confidence in our Police, and in the Aubu University experts fighting to keep these historic oak trees alive.  Let’s all wish them the best as they pursue their work.'