Atlanta Courthouse Shooting Trial Underway

After years of delays and nine weeks to select a jury of eight women and four men, the trial of accused Atlanta Courthouse shooter Brian Nichols got underway under high security Monday. Nichols has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for killing a judge, court reporter and sheriff's deputy at the Fulton County Courthouse and a federal agent later that day.

Defense attorneys claim Nichols is so deluded that he believed he was a slave carrying out a rebellion.

But during opening statements, prosecutors painted a different picture.

Fulton County prosecutor Kellie Hill told the jury that Nichols is a "conniving, vicious, cold-blooded, remorseless, evil and extremely dangerous killer" who carefully planned the attack and methodically sought out his targets. "He's not insane," she said. "He had a plan. And we're going to bring you proof of the plan."

Terrified Screams on Audiotape

Prosecutors played an audiotape of the 2005 courthouse shootings on which a routine hearing is suddenly interrupted by gun shots and screams. After the tape was played, defense attorneys requested a mistrial, but Judge James Bodiford rejected the request.

The judge also denied still another request by the defense to delay the trial. "I think we've waited long enough," Bodiford said. "And I think both sides are in good shape, so I don't worry about any issues about lawyers being ready."

Nichols is accused of killing Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes and court reporter Julie Ann Brandau in the courthouse and sheriff's Deputy Hoyt Teasley as he fled the building. A fourth victim, federal agent David Wilhelm, was killed later at a north Atlanta home he was renovating.

See Also:
Ga. Courthouse Shooting Trial Opens, Security High
Nichols Trial Loses Juror on Day 1

Background:
Brian Nichols: Atlanta Courthouse Killer
Ashley Smith: 'An Angel Sent From God'

Read the Book:
Unlikely Angel

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