Ashley Smith Robinson

Metro Atlanta

Ashley Smith Robinson

Ashley Smith, the one-time drug addicted hostage of suspected Fulton County Courthouse shooter Brian Nichols says life has slowed considerable for her.

This photo was taken two years after Ashley Smith was taken hostage by suspected Fulton County Courthouse shooter Brian Nichols. These days, the 29-year-old mom is trying to step away from center stage.

Smith, then 26, was a widowed mother, struggling with a drug addiction, and living in a Duluth apartment when she encountered Nichols.

During the seven-hour ordeal, Nichols called Smith, "an angel sent from God," asked her for some marijuana and listened as she read portions of pastor Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose-Driven Life." Smith was credited with convincing Nichols to turn himself in.

Suddenly, Smith was thrust into the national spotlight, becoming a reluctant celebrity.

She appeared everywhere, from Oprah Winfrey's show to Larry King. She even co-wrote a book, "Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero."

Later that month, Smith was invited to the state Capitol to be recognized for her assistance in the capture of Nichols.

Her reward, given to her by Gov. Sonny Perdue (left), more than $70,000.

Smith is married and living in Gainesville with her daughter Paige, now 8, and a stepdaughter. Sometimes, she says, she reveals who she is and other times she lets it go.

Smith spoke at the Rev. Rick Warren's mega church in California. "[Speaking to others] keeps me remembering where I came from, and where I never ever want to go back to."

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This photo was taken two years after Ashley Smith was taken hostage by suspected Fulton County Courthouse shooter Brian Nichols. These days, the 29-year-old mom is trying to step away from center stage.

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