Judge: Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols can't sell guns

Terry Nichols in 2004. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

A federal judge has rejected Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols' request to have his guns sold and the proceeds benefit bombing victims and support his children.

The Oklahoman reported Monday that senior U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch ordered the guns destroyed and their estimated $6,922 value be credited against the $14.5 million restitution Nichols owes.

Matsch said Nichols had "commendable motivation" in his reasons to sell the guns, but agreed that the government has the right to enforce restitution. The government had also argued that the weapons could be sold at inflated prices or used in copycat crimes.

Nichols is serving life in prison for his role in helping Timothy McVeigh carry out the April 19, 1995, bombing that killed 168 people. McVeigh was convicted and executed.