Close Topic Options

Massive Manhunt For Court Shooting Suspect

This is unbelievable. This guy who is a suspect on a rape case, stole the gun of a security officer in court and started shooting people, he killed the judge, an assistant...went downstairs (he was on the 9th floor) killed another police officer and wound another person, stole a car and ran away!. He had ALL that time to do that? *shaking head*. What kind of security measures court houses have in the US?. Just a question.

Defendant overpowers deputy, kills

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A defendant grabbed the pistol of a deputy on the way to a courtroom, injured the female deputy and went into the room where he fatally shot a Fulton County Superior Court judge and a court reporter Friday morning at a downtown courthouse, Atlanta police said.

The suspect then fled into the streets, killed another deputy outside the courthouse and drove away in a carjacked vehicle, Deputy Chief Alan Dreher said.

A search for the suspect, identified by police as Brian Nichols, 33, was under way in Georgia and the neighboring states of Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Fulton County Sheriff Myron Freeman said Nichols is considered armed and dangerous.

Warning signs on Atlanta highways told motorists to be on the lookout for a green Honda Accord with Georgia license plates 6584YN.

Atlanta police said they have set up a tip line at 404-730-7983 and 404-730-7984.

The first shootings occurred about 9 a.m. in Judge Rowland W. Barnes' eighth-floor courtroom. Barnes was dead at the scene, attorney and former part-time judge Gary Spencer said. Later, officials said the court reporter also had died...

https://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/11/atlanta....ting/index.html

Suspect Shooting Court Manhunt Massive

I don't think this has anything to do with lack of security in the courthouses here in the U.S. It's just a matter of the security being caught off-guard as this type of situation is very rare. This is the first I have heard of a shooting inside of a courthouse. This incident will no doubt have a similar effect as 9/11 where security will become tighter inside the court-rooms and things that may have been overlooked before will now be scrutinized more than ever. My wife is going to school to become a court-reporter so the story hit very close to home as the court reporter was killed along with the judge.

Massive Manhunt For Court Shooting Suspect History & Civil Business Politics

From CNN.com

Atlanta courthouse killings suspect captured

I am glad that he has been caught although he did kill another person. My guess is that it will be difficult to find a judge or jury who will be willing to give him a fair trial given the circumstances surrounding his crimes.

Suspect Shooting Court Manhunt Massive

I am so glad to hear they caught this guy and that he did not hurt the lady on the apartment. I could not understand the statements made by his family saying he is a very "lovable" man and that the Nichols who has done all this, is a different "person". A "lovable" man who has been accused of rape?.

Suspect Shooting Court Manhunt Massive

I was touched to read the account of this lady who was a hostage in her own apartment by this guy. I do think God has a lot to do with it...if you do not believe me, please read the whole account and decide for yourself:

https://edition.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/14/smit...ript/index.html

Massive Manhunt For Court Shooting Suspect

I had the opportunity to listen to Ashley Smith's dialogue on CNN yesterday, and I have to say that she was a very brave person. The police and FBI have admitted that the only reason they have this man in custody now is because of the actions of Ashley Smith. Her story is very touching as she has a 5-year old daughter, and her husband died 4 years ago. The only reason she wanted to live was so that her daughter would not be orphaned. The murderer referred to her as his 'angel' sent by God to show him the error of his ways. Truly an amazing story!

Massive Manhunt Court Shooting Suspect

Ashley Smith, the brave woman who was held hostage, and ultimately was responsible for Brian Nichols turning himself in, will receive the $10,000 reward that was promised for the capture of the said criminal. I completely agree with this and am happy to see that she not only escaped with her life, but was also justly rewarded.

From CNN.com

Atlanta hostage to get $10,000 reward
State of Georgia gives award for role in capturing killings suspect

https://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/16/atlanta....ting/index.html

Massive Manhunt Court Shooting Suspect Politics Business Civil & History

Apparently, the total award will eventually be $60,000. The state has currently gathered the first $10,000, but she is going to get another $50,000 before it is all done.

Has anyone heard where her daughter was during this entire ordeal?