Updyke confesses to poisoning Auburn trees

Harvey Updyke has confessed to poisoning the famed Toomer's Corner trees near Auburn University, according to a report Tuesday.

The Auburn Plainsman reported Updyke admitted his guilt at the Lee County Justice Center in Opelika, Ala., during recess of the jury selection for his upcoming trial.

Updyke was approached outside an elevator by Plainsman community editor Andrew Yawn, and voluntarily spoke about the charges he is facing.

"Did I do it? Yes," Updyke said.

Updyke is accused of poisoning the trees after Auburn beat Alabama during the Tigers' 2010 national title season. The 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect on charges that include criminal mischief and desecrating a venerable object.

"They're going to find me guilty... it's a done deal," Updyke said. "I don't think I'm going to get a fair trial."

Tuesday wasn't the first time Updyke admitted to the poisioning.

In January 2011, Updyke appeared on the Paul Finebaum show and apologized to Auburn fans for "the damage I have done."

Updyke's lawyer, Everett Wess, told the Mobile Press-Register that he was "a little taken aback" by The Plainsman story.

information from The Associated Press was used in this report.