Brian Nichols

Mass Murderer

Brian Nichols and the 2005 Atlanta Courthouse Murders

Background and Criminal Proceedings

Brian Gene Nichols was responsible for a deadly escape and crime spree that began at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 11, 2005. Nichols, who was 33 years old at the time, was being held without bond while facing charges that included rape, kidnapping, aggravated assault and burglary involving a former girlfriend. Nichols had already undergone one trial before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Rowland W. Barnes. That proceeding ended with the jury unable to reach a verdict on several of the most serious charges. A second trial was underway in March 2005. Prosecutors alleged that Nichols understood that he could receive a lengthy prison sentence if convicted and had begun considering ways to escape. Two improvised metal weapons were reportedly discovered in Nichols's shoes shortly before his escape. Despite that discovery and concerns about courthouse security, Nichols was brought to the courthouse on the morning of March 11 under the supervision of a single deputy while he prepared to return to Judge Barnes's courtroom.

Attack on Deputy Cynthia Hall

On the morning of March 11, 2005, Fulton County Sheriff's Deputy Cynthia Hall escorted Nichols to a holding area on the eighth floor of the courthouse. Nichols was permitted to change from jail clothing into civilian clothes that he was expected to wear during his trial. While Hall was removing Nichols's restraints, he suddenly attacked her. He beat the deputy severely and took her department-issued .40-caliber Glock handgun. Hall suffered critical injuries and was left unconscious. She survived, but the assault caused lasting physical and neurological damage. After taking Hall's firearm, Nichols moved through restricted areas of the courthouse. He confronted several courthouse employees and an attorney, holding them at gunpoint while attempting to reach Judge Barnes. Fulton County Sheriff's Sergeant Grantley White tried to intervene but was overpowered. Nichols forced White and other people into an office and had them restrained before continuing toward the courtroom.

Murders Inside the Fulton County Courthouse

At approximately 9:00 a.m., Nichols entered the courtroom where Judge Rowland Barnes had just completed another legal matter. Without warning, Nichols shot the judge. Barnes, who had presided over Nichols's criminal proceedings, died in the courtroom. Nichols then shot court reporter Julie Ann Brandau. Brandau was seated near the judge's bench performing her regular courthouse duties. She was critically wounded and died from her injuries. Attorneys and courthouse employees fled or attempted to hide as Nichols moved calmly through the area with the stolen handgun. Nichols escaped from the courtroom and ran down a stairwell. Fulton County Sheriff's Sergeant Hoyt Teasley pursued him toward the courthouse exit. When Teasley reached the area outside the building, Nichols shot him. Teasley died while attempting to stop the escape. ...

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Rowland Wayne Barnes 64 yr old Male

Brian Nichols