Brian Nichols trial: Week 1

Metro Atlanta

Brian Nichols trial: Week 1

The murder trial of Brian Nichols began Sept. 22, 2008, in Atlanta. Nichols is accused of killing four as he escaped a rape trial in 2005.

Brian Nichols sits with his attorneys as his murder trial gets under way Sept. 22. Nichols escaped from the Fulton County Courthouse during his rape trial in 2005. Nichols, 36, is accused of killing four during and after his escape. He is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity and faces the death penalty if convicted.

Judge James Bodiford presides over opening arguments in the Brian Nichols case at the Atlanta Municipal Court site on the first day of the trial. Bodiford has a reputation of running an efficient courtroom.

The prosecution team includes Kellie Hill (left) and Clint Rucker, who are listening to opening statements made Monday morning.

Brian Nichols' defense team members Robert McGlasson (center) and Henderson Hill (left) huddle during opening arguments Monday.

As the sun rises in Atlanta, a lone pedestrian strolls in front of the Atlanta Municipal Court Building. Nichols is accused of shooting and killing three people as he escaped the courthouse during his rape trial March 11, 2005. He faces the death penalty. Judge James Bodiford wants to see the trial completed before Christmas.

G.R. Crawford of the Atlanta Police Department hangs the City of Atlanta flag outside the municipal court building on the first day of the Brian Nichols trial.

A Fulton County Sheriff's Office vehicle is parked on a closed Garnett Street on the first day of the Brian Nichols trial on Monday in front of the Judge Lenwood Jackson Justice Center. The trial is taking place in Atlanta Municipal Court inside the building.

Fulton County Sheriff Deputy Ray Baulding directs a motorist on Garnett Street, which has been closed during the Brian Nichols murder trial.

Court deputies are sworn in by Superior Court Judge James Bodiford early Monday. After more than three years, accused courthouse gunman Brian Nichols will face jurors. Nichols, an accused rapist, escaped from the Fulton County Courthouse and went on an alleged shooting spree in 2005. Nichols, 36, is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.

Deputies meet with the judge Monday before Brian Nichols' murder trial gets under way. The trial is being held at Atlanta Municipal Court because the regular courtroom was the site of three fatal shootings the day of Nichols' 2005 escape.

Christina Scholte, daughter of slain court reporter Julie Brandau, cries after hearing the shots and screams recorded during 2005 courtroom shootings.

Kiley Barnes, daughter of Judge Rowland Barnes.

Lead prosecutor Kellie Hill addresses the court during opening arguments on Monday. Behind her are photos of the people who were killed in March 2005.

Claudia Barnes, widow of Fulton Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes, who was killed March 11, 2005

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Brian Nichols sits with his attorneys as his murder trial gets under way Sept. 22. Nichols escaped from the Fulton County Courthouse during his rape trial in 2005. Nichols, 36, is accused of killing four during and after his escape. He is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity and faces the death penalty if convicted.

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