Lawyer of Auburn tree poisoner wants out of case

The court appointed lawyer of Harvey Almorn Updyke, the man charged with poisoning the 130-year-old live oak trees at Toomer’s Corner, has asked to be removed from representing Updyke. Attorney Philip O. Tyler cited a conflict of interest in the case. By the way, it’s because Tyler is associated with Auburn University. In a motion to withdraw, Tyler explains that "numerous personal and family ties to Auburn University", as well as his job as a part-time professor at the university, create the conflict. Tyler is a resident of Auburn and the law firm for which he works also represents Auburn.