Homepage / Atlanta News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Brian Nichols Case Timeline

  • March 11, 2005: Brian Nichols was being led into Judge Rowland Barnes' courtroom, where he was being tried a second time for the rape of his former girlfriend.

    In a holding area, Nichols is accused of beating deputy Cynthia Hall as she uncuffed him and stealing her gun.

    Nichols is then alleged to have made his way through an open door into Judge Barnes' chambers, shooting him and courtroom stenographer Julie Ann Brandau, killing both.

    According to investigators, Nichols then flees the courthouse, where he allegedly shot and killed Fulton County Sgt. Hoyt Teasley.

    While escaping the courthouse complex, investigators said Nichols carjacked three separate drivers.

    Nichols eventually boarded a MARTA train and got off at the Lenox station in Buckhead.

  • Evening Of March 11: Police said Nichols confronted Immigrants and Customs Enforcement agent David Wilhelm at a house he was renovating in Buckhead. Nichols is accused of killing Wilhelm and stealing his truck.

  • March 12, 2005: Ashley Smith said Nichols confronted her at her apartment in Duluth.

    Nichols stayed at Smith's apartment for several hours, until she said Nichols allowed her to leave.

    Smith called 911, and several law enforcement agencies swarmed the complex and arrested Nichols without incident.

  • March 21, 2007: The first of many delays in the trial. Judge Hilton Fuller delays the trial until September so the state can collect money to help pay for Nichols' defense.

  • Aug. 28, 2007: The trial is postponed again.

  • Jan. 30, 2008: Judge Hilton Fuller said he is stepping down from the case. He cited a quote in a New York Magazine article attributed to him in which he allegedly asserted that Brian Nichols was guilty.

  • Feb. 4, 2008: Cobb County Superior Court Judge James Bodiford is assigned by an administrative judge to oversee the Nichols case.

  • Sept. 22, 2008: Opening statements begin in the Brian Nichols murder trial.

  • Oct. 31, 2008: Both sides rest.

  • Nov. 7, 2008: Brian Nichols is found guilty of murder.

  • Dec. 11, 2008: The jury tells Judge James Bodiford they can;t agree on a sentence for Nichols.

  • Dec. 12, 2008: After a final day of deliberations, the jury tells the judge that further talks will not help them reach a verdict.

  • Dec. 13, 2008: Brian Nichols is sentenced.

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out which triggers are under your control. The answers could prevent migraines, and keep you off the sidelines. More

A great bedroom is designed to be a sanctuary where you can relax and get a good night’s sleep. Find out how to create the perfect bedroom. More

Make your dreams of a college education come true and take advantage of over 4 million tuition-free scholarships available to real people just like you! More

Now more than ever, job security is priority number one with most job seekers. Here are 10 jobs with great job security that employers are actually struggling to fill. More

Health Topics & Information

While it’s the government’s responsibility to ensure that food sold in the U.S. is safe, a few simple precautions can help you protect yourself and your family from foodborne disease. More