Case History: It Started at 9:02 a.m.

Chronology of the Oklahoma City bombing case:

April 19, 1995: Bomb rips through Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building at 9:02 a.m. Timothy J. McVeigh arrested 75 minutes later on firearms charge after traffic stop near Billings, Okla.

April 20: Authorities release sketches of suspects John Doe No. 1 and John Doe No. 2.

April 21: Federal authorities arrest McVeigh, who resembles John Doe No. 1, in connection with bombing hours before he was expected to make bail on firearms charge. Terry L. Nichols surrenders in Herington, Kan., after learning police are looking for him.

June 14: Authorities admit sketches of John Doe No. 2 are of innocent Army private at Ft. Riley, Kan.

Aug. 11: Grand jury indicts McVeigh and Nichols on murder and conspiracy charges. McVeigh friend Michael Fortier, who testified before the grand jury, pleads guilty to firearms charge in plea bargain.

Dec. 1: Federal appeals court removes original judge from case, ruling that bomb damage to his courtroom and chambers could raise doubts about his impartiality. Chief U.S. District Judge Richard P. Matsch of Denver appointed to preside.

Feb. 20, 1996: Matsch moves case to Denver.

March 31, 1997: Jury selection begins in McVeigh’s trial.

April 24: Opening statements begin.

May 21: Prosecutors rest their case after calling 137 witnesses in 18 days.

May 28: Defense rests after calling 25 witnesses in three days.

Sources: Associated Press, Times staff