The trial of Brian Nichols, a man who shot and killed four people inside and out of a Georgia courtroom while he was on trial for rape in 2005, began today in Atlanta. He could face the death penalty although he had pleaded not guilty due to insanity.
Brian Nichols’ attorney said his client did not know right from wrong when he took a gun from a court security guard and shot and killed a judge, court reporter and sheriff’s deputy at Atlanta’s Fulton County Courthouse and a federal agent later that day. Nichols’ defense says that he believed he was a slave mounting a rebellion against his oppressors.
600 witnesses are expected to be called in the case that could last several months. The proceedings are taking place only blocks from the courthouse where Nichols’ went on his shooting rampage in March, 2005.
Fulton County is liable for millions of dollars in damages to families of Nichols’ victims. This time, the county is taking all possible safety measures to ensure this court appearance does not lend like Nichols’ last.
Source: Associated Press
GroundReport has been following this story all summer.