Brian Nichols
Brian Gene Nichols (born December 10, 1971) is an accused rapist and convicted murderer known for his escape and killing spree in the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 11, 2005. Nichols was on trial for rape when he escaped custody and murdered the judge presiding over his trial, a court reporter, a Fulton County Sheriff's deputy, and later an ICE special agent. Twenty-six hours after a large-scale manhunt was launched in the metropolitan Atlanta area, Nichols was taken into custody. The prosecution charged him with committing 54 crimes during the escape; he was found guilty on all counts on November 7, 2008 and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. Early life Nichols grew up in a middle class household in Baltimore, Maryland, and attended Cardinal Gibbons School. He later attended Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, from 1989 to 1990, where he played football and was known for having a "knack for trouble". Nichols dropped out of college and moved to Georgia in 1995, where he worked for Hewlett-Packard and UPS. Nichols was arrested on multiple charges for the rape, kidnapping, and assault of a former girlfriend after discovering that she was dating a minister from the church that they both attended. The first attempt at a trial ended with a mistrial and a hung jury. While awaiting a second trial, friends and family members of Nichols expressed concern that he would attempt to escape, having tried to formulate an escape plan with a friend. Shootings and escape On March 11, 2005, Nichols overpowered Sheriff Deputy Cynthia Hall while changing clothes at the Fulton County Courthouse. He stole her Glock service pistol and beat her into a coma. Nichols had previously attempted to sneak "shanks" into the courtroom via his shoes. Nichols changed into civilian clothes originally intended for use during the trial. Nichols encountered case managers Susan Christy and Gina Clarke Thomas and attorney David Allman, whom he held at gunpoint and demanded lead him to Barnes's chambers. Sergeant Grantley White attempted to disarm Nichols but failed and was forced to handcuff the others. White set off an alarm which Nichols attempted to dispel using White's radio. Nichols progressed into the courtroom where he fatally shot Barnes and court reporter Julie Ann Brandau. He fatally shot Sergeant Hoyt Teasley while escaping the courthouse. Nichols stole several vehicles during his escape and was featured on America's Most Wanted during his manhunt. A reward of $65,000 was announced for anyone who gave information leading to Nichols's arrest. Nichols attempted to kidnap a young woman as she was walking home from a gymnasium. He fled after her boyfriend defended her and he heard her call 9-1-1. Later that day, Nichols fatally shot ICE Special Agent David G. Wilhelm and stole his badge, gun, and pickup truck. Capture Police received a 9-1-1 call from Ashley Smith, a young woman who said Nichols was at her Duluth, Georgia, apartment. Law enforcement responded and Nichols surrendered. Authorities recovered several stolen