ATLANTA -- In the sentencing phase of the Brian Nichols trial, jurors are hearing a new reason why Nichols killed court reporter Julie Brandau.

For the last nine weeks, this jury had only heard that Nichols believed the court reporter was an agent of the slave master, in a system that was unfair to African-Americans.

Tuesday, through testimony of the defense's second psychologist, we're hearing a different motive for that murder.

Defense psychologist Richard Dudley acknowledged that during their interview, Nichols gave him a reason he shot and killed court reporter Julie Brandau.

"Really, he was angry at the court reporter because he thought she was tampering with the jury by bringing them brownies and cookies,” said Dudley.

Brandau's sister, Trudy Brandau, said last week that Julie made treats for every jury. It was just her way of making jurors feel comfortable in an otherwise uncomfortable situation.

Prosecutor Clint Rucker asked Dudley about Nichols' future dangerousness, considering the shanks found in his cell.

"The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Do you agree with that," asked Rucker.

"I think it's among the predictors of future behavior,” said Dudley.