Citing funding problems for the defense, a judge once again delayed the beginning of the trial in the Atlanta Courthouse shooting case. Jury selection had been scheduled to begin next week in the murder trial of Brian Nichols, accused of killing four people to escape his rape trial at the Fulton County Courthouse.

Judge Hilton Fuller said "it is with a great sense of disappointment" that he was forced to postpone the trial once again. He had already delayed it a month because the agency that funds public defenders in Georgia had not given the defense funds they had requested.

Plea Deal Rejected

Georgia taxpayers have already spent $1.2 million for Nichols' defense and his four attorneys have requested more money for mental health expert witnesses.

Prosecutors refused to accept Nichols' offer to plead guilty in the murders in exchange for a life sentence. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the shootings which left four people dead March 11, 2005.

Background:
Brian Nichols: Atlanta Courthouse Killer
Ashley Smith: 'An Angel Sent From God'
Read the Book:
Unlikely Angel
See Also:
Judge Delays Brian Nichols Trial Until September