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Defense Lawyers Want More Delays In Courthouse Shooter’s Trial
July 9th, 2008They argue that the judge will work them too hard once the proceedings begin
The attorneys for an Atlanta man accused of killing four people – including his judge – during a daring courthouse escape three years ago are asking the current judge to relax the trial schedule just a bit. Superior Court Judge James Bodiford, the second judge appointed to handle a protracted legal process that has included five delays, ordered the trial of Brian Nichols to take place six days a week. Nichols was on trial for allegedly kidnapping and raping his ex-girlfriend when, prosecutors say, when he escaped from a holding cell in the Fulton County Courthouse and shot a judge, a court reporter, sheriff’s deputy and a federal customs agent victims after wresting the gun from a deputy. Nichols’ attorneys say that at least three of the defendant’s legal team is 50 years or older. “There are some young 50s and older 50s,” said Henderson Hill, Nichols’ lead attorney. “When you start burning the candle at both ends like that, there are limits.” Bodiford had little sympathy for Nichols’ team. Is there anybody on your team who is 58 years and 11 months? I’m the oldest one in here,” Bodiford said. “All I’m asking you to do is work 9 ½ hours every day.” The trial has been on hold ever since lawyers began interviewing prospective jurors in February 2007. The previous judge in the case, senior Superior Court Judge Hilton Fuller, was replaced by Bodiford after stepping down amid charges that he was biased against Nichols. Fuller had stalled the trial following claims from the defense lawyers that the state was not adequately funding Nichols’ capital trial. The trial could wind up being the most costly in Georgia history. Defense attorneys’ wages and expenses have already exceed $1.2 million, and the trial has yet to begin.
What a shame! All that taxpayer money and time being spent on an obviously guilty verdict. Too many witnesses and too much evidence (video tapes) for all this fuss!
I totally agree with you. This makes no sense to keep dragging this trial out.
I know he did it, but there is still some underlying mess. His attorneys know what they are doing, but they are being rushed to complete a trial.
I agree with both of you. I’m aware that the US constitution provides the right for all citizens to have due process and adequate representation in a court of law but this is a no brainer. These attorneys just want to get paid at the tax payers expense. Of course they are going to use the temporary insanity plea when they should strongly advise Nicholas to cop a deal by pleading guilty.
Stop playin people!! put the fool in jail on death row and get it over with! what is all this fuss about. This is one of those rare occassions when a blind me could see the GUILT of this monster. Too many lives taken/destroyed. lock him up and throw away the key – and it doesn’t take working on his case 9 hours a day to do so either!! what a bunch of bullsh*t.
When did this man become insane? Wasn’t he a computer engineer earning six figures after going to 2 colleges? he was a trouble maker with anger management and violence issues and an escalating criminal record…but insane…I don’t think so! But I guess that’s the only defense he can claim. What a waste!
This is just totally and utterly disgusting, ridiculous and a waste of taxpayers money. Somebody needs to step in on this case and get it ended!
WHAT ABOUT ALL THEM WHITE SEREAL KILLERS DONT NUTHIN EVER HAPPIN TO THEM THE RASIST SISTEM ALL WAYS PICKS ON DA BLACK MAN
Sharonda now that is not good press for white to be on blast like that
fry dat fool or are they gonna blame there lack of courage on gas prices also?