DENVER (AP) — U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch, who ruled his courtroom with a firm gavel and a short temper and gained national respect in the 1990s for his handling of the Oklahoma City bombing trials, died Sunday. He was 88.

The clerk of the U.S. District Court of Colorado, Jeffrey P. Colwell, announced Matsch's death.

Matsch had received a liver transplant in 2001 after being diagnosed with a disorder that causes a buildup of fluid that can lead to infections.

He took senior-judge status in 2003, allowing him to reduce his caseload. He was appointed to the bench by President Richard Nixo...