Talk of the Town

By Charles

December 15, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

They might as well try to get the sentencing right in a federal case and hang the SOB. Maybe in the long run we (the tax payers) will save money (court costs vs. maximum security costs/problems he’ll cause).

By Justice

December 15, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

Try him. Fry him.

By JoeZ

December 15, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Yes, the integrity of the Jury process failed.

By Filste

December 15, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

Not only yes, but he!! yes. And a federal jury isn’t going to have the pre-conceived, refuse to even consider or negotiate the death penaly that those 3 Fulton County jurors did.

By johnnybegood

December 15, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

I really think life without parole is worse than death anyway.The worst being in a Supermax for life.That’s just a walking death sentence.

By San

December 15, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

No, Paul Howard needs to accept this loss and move on. No more wasting taxpayer money. If his prosecutor had moved on in Brian Nichols rape case, this whole thing would not have happened. What actually happened in that case ? I have heard of several cases where, cases have been dismissed, dropped, jury deadlocks and Fulton County prosecutors press, press, and press to send people to prison !! This needs to stop. The Fulton County prosecutors office needs to be investigated. I am very sorry for the victims family in this case but if Brian Nichols is tried in Federal court, more money for his lawyers(millions) to be spent, move on Paul Howard.

By bill

December 15, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Although Nichols deserves the death penalty, the jury has spoken and now life in solitary confinement at supermax will have to suffice. It is not worth the infringements on all of our rights to fair treatment (not to mention the additional millions of taxpayer dollars) that would be incurred were the federal charges levied. The would be brought for no other reason than to give the state another chance to impose the death penalty for a murder in which he has already been prosecuted. If the decision to pursue federal prosecution for that particular murder had been made before the state trial it might be different. I also opposed any attempt to lower the standard of a unanimous vote to impose death.

By Phroggy

December 15, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

We have spent enough $$$ on prosecuting Brian Nichols. The Feds should leave well enough alone. However, it would serve Nichols well if the Feds would accept him for incarceration in the SuperMax system.

By Jenny

December 15, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Absolutely!!!!!

By jay

December 15, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Anything short of death for this scum is a gift.

By JoeZ

December 15, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Yes, the integrity of the Jury process failed.

By Sick and Tired

December 15, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Yes, the feds should most definitely try Nichols. Why should taxpayers have to pay just to keep this man alive? He took 4 innocent lives after already being on trial for rape. He’s a monster and should receive the death penalty. An eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth .. except Nichols has already gone well over his limit.

By George

December 15, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Only if they can give him the Death Penalty. Otherwise it is a waste of money and time. He will never get out of jail now.

By erubi

December 15, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

YES, yes and yes!!! Maybe they can get the correct sentence with an expanded jury pool.

By Eye For An Eye

December 15, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

I am really disappointed the jury was unable to vote for the death penalty. I do not blame the jury as I was not there for all the deliberations and talks behind the scenes. That is how they all felt after everything was said and done.

I just feel it is ridiculous for someone to get 7 life sentences and 400+ years without the chance of parole. I think Nichols should really pay for what he did to so many innocent families and individuals. What he did was calculated and in cold blood. He had absolutely no remorse for what he did and even said he would do it again. That is what gets me the most, he has absolutely NO REMORSE for the pain he has caused.

I agree with the judge in the fact that he should NEVER be trusted even when he is 80 years old. He has no thoughts for anyone other than himself and that is a travesty. People like that should not have the right to live, don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to play GOD here, but it is a true shame that someone can act and live like that.

All in all, I think he should be tried for Federal Murder charges and hopefully this will have a different outcome. Let’s hope if he is changed with Federal charges, he will not sit on death row for 30+ years with 19 appeals and millions upon millions of additional tax payers money.

May GOD bless the families of the victims and comfort them this Christmas as it is always difficult to go through the Holidays without loved ones.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

December 15, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

Yes, Nichols should be tried for violating Federal Statutes and, if convicted, given the death penalty. No one deserves it more than this cockroach!

By JD

December 15, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

The reason that Nichols was not given the death penalty was a lack of preparation by the prosecution in the jury selection. How could they not know that three people would be so against imposing the ultimate punishment. Face the fact that you scr*wed up. I’m sure a federal jury would probably sentence him to death, as long as you found enough people who wanted to correct the decision made by the state jury. Unfortunately, that’s the wrong reason to try him in the federal system. Nichols deserved to die for what he did.

By Tony

December 15, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

No. Taxpayers have already been taken to the cleaners by defense attorneys and are on the hook for the guy’s room and board for the rest of his life. If there is a way to tighten up laws for trying death penalty cases, then let’s do that. Also, the rules and regulations for indigent defense must be addressed to prevent another case from extorting so much money from the public.

By Pat Berry

December 15, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Yes, if ever there was a case that cried out for the death penalty it is the case of Brian Nichols. I thought this type of crime was primarily the reason we have the death penalty. He killed not just one person who was elected, appointed or hired to protect us from people like him he killed FOUR.

I agree with the Prosecutors, We the People Did Not Get a Fair Trail.

Pat Berry

By ROBIN

December 15, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Why waist the tax payer money. The man will sit in prision for 20 years before they would follow through on the dealth penalty anyway. I think it was all a big waist of money if you ask me. They spend millions on a trial that he would have plea bargened for the same results.

Those three jurrors will be held accountable if he ever escapes and kills again. Especially the one who worked the crossword puzzles during deliberations. Unacceptable.

By Carmen

December 15, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

Yes, the Feds should try him. If there was ever a cut and dried case, this is it. There’s no doubt he did it, and, quite frankly, I’m tired of my tax dollars being wasted to foot the bill for these monsters who can’t live by society’s rules. The juror who refused to give him the death penalty should have to pick up the tab for Nichol’s stay at the crossbar Hilton from now on.

By sam

December 15, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

Why not get an agency and system that can clean up our dirty work. The hold outs on the jury should be tried for lying, those three juries stated that if the element were in place they could vote for the death penalty

By Dan

December 15, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

When, not if, Brian Nichols kills again, I hope those three holdouts against the death penalty will be able to look themselves in the mirror; because they will be directly responsible for those deaths.

By LawGal02

December 15, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

By all means, try Brian Nichols in federal court for the cold-blooded murder of a federal agent, and hope like heck for a jury pool with integrity and guts to send this SOB to death row. As for the three gutless holdouts in Fulton County, they should be held in contempt of court and put in jail. They blatantly lied to the court, and they denied the people of Georgia a fair trial. I hope they see the faces of all 4 Nichols victims every time they close their eyes for the rest of their sorry lives.

By sam

December 15, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

I want the Feds to prosecute him and send him to a super max prison. The State of Georgia does not have a supermax prison.He has has show that he will fight and do anything to escape again, and believe me he will kill again. At least if the Feds put him in a super max, he will not even see day light again.

By Andre

December 15, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Yes, the Feds should charge Nichols and seek the Death Penalty.

By Just My .02

December 15, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

I know a lot will not agree and will be upset with what I have to say but, I am elated that he got life. The reason why is he should have been convicted the first time. If anyone knows the history of this case, Paul Howards office should be on trial as well. They made a debacle out of the first trial which caused him to get off, then they come back and flirt with double jeopardy so that they can redeem themselves. Paul Howards office has all of those peoples death on its hand and should be punished also. How can you explain allowing a friend to remove the tape of the alledge rape from police impound. I had my car impounded and I almost had to give up DNA to prove I was the owner, but you let his friend go into the car and remove evidence. That is bull. If the DA’s office had done their job Brian would be a few years into his sentece from the rape charge and all of those people would be alive. The death penalty was a way for the DA office to feel as though they actually or finally did their job with regards to Brian Nichols.

By Jeff

December 15, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Absolulutely he should be tried for the murder of the federal agent. True justice was not served in the initial trial. Hopefully a more sensible jury will convict him of murdering the federal agent and recommend a death sentence for Nichols.

By GaLiberal

December 15, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

No. While it is tragic the man was killed by Nichols, it was not because of his status as a federal agent. He just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I know the Rethuglicon bobble heads will all want another trial for their pound of flesh. However, the laws and regulations are clear. Unless the person was killed or injured because they are a federal employee, they can’t be charged with a federal crime.

What this is about is sour grapes on Paul Howard’s part. He didn’t get to fry Nichols so he wants the US AG to do it for him. He just wants another bite of the apple and that’s not right. The US AG should decline Howard’s slimy attempt just to get a death sentence. Even if one was imposed, it wouldn’t be carried out until Nichols served his time in Georiga first. And you can’t execute someone who’s dead so it’s a moot (yes, moot not mute) point.

By Toni

December 15, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

YES! The Fed’s should try him. No, justice as NOT served on him. All the bleeding hearts that posted here would not be so passionate if he had gunned down one of their loved ones. FYI…Georgia does NOT have a SUPERMAX facility. I work for the corrections department and no way is there a guarentee, with him being general population, allowed to roam the prison as other offenders, to ensure that he will not harm guards or attempt to escape. The only way to ensure that is 24/7 lock down and that was not his sentence. He will be allowed to hold a detail/job as well as yard call and any other activity that is allotted to other inmates. He is evil…NOT remorseful at all…and let us not forget the tape recording in which he said ” yes I did that __, and Id do it again..the only regret I have is NOT going to the 3rd floor and killing Paul Howard” Give me a break! life without parole is hardly a death sentence. It is the beginning of a ongoing tab to be paid for by taxpayers!

By Anderson

December 15, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

When Nichols actually experience prison life inside of a Supermax facility, he is going to wish he was sentenced to death. Nichols cannot take confinement. This is why he is always plotting escape attempts. There will be none of that inside of a Supermax. It will be only a matter of time before he attempts suicide.

By Houckster

December 15, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

The Bryan Nichols case was mishandled from the beginning. When Nichols’ defense was willing to settle for life without parole before the trial began, that should have been the end of it. Instead the district attorney proceeded to make a decision that lead to the waste of over $10 million dollars. And with the death penalty and the extended litigation that will accompany that penalty, many more dollars will go down the drain when that money should go to the defense of others in our judicial system so they can get a fair trial. When is some common sense going to emerge here?

I have no sympathy for those who support the death penalty. The goal of our judicial system is to take dangerous people out of circulation. Revenge isn’t justice. Nichol’s execution will do nothing to repair the horrific damage he has done nor will it deter someone else of Nichol’s mentality from doing the same thing.

The Feds, if they have any sense, will refuse to prosecute and will let Nichols spend the rest of his life where he belongs.

By Keith

December 15, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Heck yea they should fry him! This thug should be hung in front of the courthouse! Maybe that would send a lesson to the other thugs out there who kill nightly in Atlanta. It sure is sad how much crime the thugs cause in the city.

By endit

December 15, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

NO! PLEASE Put him in with the general population in our State prison system.Put him on a floor with the biggest/vilest prisoners Georgia has and things will take care of itself.

By tarry

December 15, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

I am tired of supporting vermin like Nichols in our jails and prisons. Good people are having a hard time getting by on this economy and here we will have to payto feed this convicted killer good food, have him sleep in a clean bed at night (air conditioned), give him medical care and do this is for the rest of his life. He could live a long time in prison with us taking care of him. That is wasting our tax money. We should have reserved those dollars and that security for struggling older people and children in need and sent this awful person to their last judgment. Where is our sense of value? Do we value the life of this disgusting, non-repentant killer over that of hungry children and our less fortunate elders?
Chalk this trial up as a total mistake. No more money spent on Nichols. Get rid of the incompetence in the prosecutor’s office and *never, never *make this kind of mistake again in prosecuting capital murder. Lesson learned.

By Paul

December 15, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Duh, of course they should try him.

By FedUp

December 15, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

YES! He killed a federal agent for NO good reason, and if we still have the chance to stick the needle to him, I say GO FOR IT! It’s up to the federal government to pay for it.

By Voice of Reason

December 15, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Have the three no-death-penalty jurors done an interview yet (even with their faces/ID’s hidden)? I was so busy cracking up at the (yes, inapproporiate) but hysterically funny Bush shoe-throwing incident, I didn’t see any updates re: these three coming forward.

I blame Paul Howard for this; the prosecution should never have agreed to seat these three if they were opposed to imposing the death penalty from the get go. Idiot.

By Teresa

December 15, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Absolutely - There should be reprucussions to the jurors who sat on the jury reading puzzles and refusing to participate. I believe that is contempt of court.

By Laura

December 15, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Yes, the Feds should try Nichols. Having worked in the court system myself I was always under the impression that it was an automatic death penalty if you killed a police officer. Sgt. Teasley and Agent Wilhelm were both police officers - they are never really “off duty” - and Nichols killed them point blank. You might could also say the same thing for Judge Barnes and the court reporter - they were both officers of the court.

By dennis chapman

December 15, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

In the Bible it mentions the punishments for crimes committed. B.N. should be put to death for the crimes, hatered, suffering he caused. For those jury members who did not fulfill their oath and obligations I pray for.

By Tori

December 15, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

No, the victims families have been through enough.

By Fry The Sucker

December 15, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

If he is put in a Supermax, do you think he’ll be in danger? I think the other inmates will be the ones in danger. He kills with no forethought to his actions. They will have to spend more money to keep him in 24 hour segregation, with guards to watch him constantly. If you are tired of the money spent on trials, think of what your tax dollars will pay for if he spends the next 40-60 years in prison. Room/board, medical, dental, education, entertainment such as cable t.v., counseling, PAY to work, etc. I say take that tax money and try him in federal court…NOW.

By alue

December 15, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

“Vengeance is mine” said the Lord.

By Wow

December 15, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

I am truly shocked that three jurors held out on sending Nichols to death. These three jurors should be investigated to see if they committed perjury or did not deliberate as required. If they did not live up to their duty, they should be tried. it is hard for me to believe that they did not send the person, that in recent history most deserved death, to the death chamber.

Forget retrying him. Just lock him up in solitary with some mean-a* guards.

By Renea

December 15, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

No, they should not and I don’t think they can…he has already been found guilty of the murder…they cannot try him twice on the same charge….it’s over…let it go and move on….

By olivia

December 15, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Yessss!! And toss him in SuperMax until they fry him. This is one case I’m in favor of the death penalty.

By myjorn

December 15, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

I feel that the State of Georgia needs to review or revise the laws that protect innocent people. This man needs should be a #1 candidate for the death sentence. He went on a rampage, we know he is guilty! He killed law enforcement, a judge and other people who were randomly selected. I think the feds should definetly get him since the local government failed to do the right thing in this situation.

By JET

December 15, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Brian Nichols will never walk the road of freedom again. Why waste tax payers money to retry him. Shirley Franklyn and the Atlanta budget is in CRISIS. They can ill afford to go through another $M trial. The money they will spend to retry this SOB can ensure about 200 Fulton County employees a paycheck for another 2-3 years.

By inou

December 15, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Jail and fine the jurors who lied about their willingness to impose the death penalty. They defrauded the system and the taxpayers. Were these idiots on the OJ jury in 1996 too?

By The Anti-Wooten

December 15, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

It’s not terribly surprising to see so many here that have it completely WRONG. Capital punishment is barbaric, uncivilized and simply wrong. I have no intention of killing anyone and I don’t want the government doing it on my behalf. I will oppose any idea of changing the laws so that 7/12, 8/12 or 9/12 can make that decision which is what it sounds like many here would like to see. There exist many valid reasons why our jury system is all or nothing when it comes to guilt and punishment but the most important perhaps is the protection of all of you that advocate these changes. If you start with these changes where does it stop? Maybe one of you supposedly law abiding persons will get a DUI, injure someone and get tried. How excited are you going to be if the jury is packed with MADD moms, crazy christians or some other group that, in their general hypocrisy, decides that you should get 25 years for the offense but one or two people don’t vote for that?

Paul Howard should be sacked for not taking the deal over a year ago and disposing of this criminal then. The public defender system will suffer from the fallout of this trial and others will receive substandard treatment in our courts of law.

For those whining about supporting Nichols for the rest of his life, you should try reading sometime, the appeals alone would cost far more than the cost of incarceration. More people are against capital punishment and that’s not a trend that’s going away, as time passes it’s going to be much more difficult to get it past a jury. Even in states where the laws reflect acceptance of non-unamimous verdicts to impose death, this would still be the same result.

ABOLISH CAPITAL PUNISHMENT NOW.

By AllHogwash

December 15, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Was the ICE Federal Agent he murdered one of the murders for which he was convicted?

If the answer is No he should be tried in Federal Court. If the answer is Yes, he should not be tried.

Personally, I believe he should have been sentenced to death by the Georgia jury. * What a bunch of wimps!*

However, my beliefs are not relevant. The question is: can he lawfully be tried again without being placed in double jeopardy.

Even though he is as guilty as sin, his constitutional rights must be upheld.

By Chickadee

December 15, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

The good people of this city and state have lost!! The juror who was doing a puzzle instead of listening needs to be charged with contempt of court. I hope the general prison population does to him what they did to dhamer. Nichols deserves to be tortured. We should not have to waste our money feeding him.

By Starry

December 15, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

I think at this point, we should try to move on with our life. Allow the families to attempt to bring some closure and put tax dollars in some other effort. We will have to pay for him in jail, on death row and through the appeal process. Let it rest, he will meet his maker in the end.

By Tom LeBoutillier

December 15, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

How many people do you have to kill in the stste of Georgia before you receive the death penalty?

By Michael

December 15, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Definitely. As an attorney perhaps I can get appointed to represent him and can make a few million in a few years. I can change my firm name to Citigroup to guarantee I get appointed. Shweeet!!

By The Anti-Wooten

December 15, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

On another subject, for those of you calling for punishment, vengeance or public identification of the jurors that voted against death: You may be excused from service the next time you’re called, you have several valid excuses.

1)You have no idea of how our jury system works.

2)You’re unable to understand laws of the state.

3)You aren’t smart enough to continue breathing spontaneously.

By Let Nichols rot in prison

December 15, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

First, I’m all for the death penalty when appropraite but Paul Howard failed to acheive that. He needs to quit squandering our tax dollars in his quest to extract a pound of flesh from Nichols. Second, I’m tired of every special interest group expecting enhanced protections for themselves and enhanced penalties for those that wrong them. Crimes against elderly people, children, racial groups, police agents, etc. all have enhanced penalties when they encounter a criminal. That sounds warm and fuzzy but after everybody gets to hide behind their particular flag of special interest, what about everyone else who does not have a special interest flag to wrap around them? Is it more appropriate or less bad to murder a middle age man than an elderly man? I’m sorry about what happened to David Wilhelm on his personal time while working on his house but he is just a guy who happened to work as an employee of the U.S. Customs and was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

By CoachS

December 15, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Renea you are wrong. They did not prosecute Nichols for the murder of the federal officer. That was left for the federal government incase Paul Howard messed up his case with the the others.

He should be tried and fried in federal court.

By John Doe

December 15, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Let it go. The guy got life without parole. Deal with it. This isn’t about revenge. It’s about justice. He got a fair trial. He will spend the rest of his life in prison. That’s good enough.

By zeke

December 15, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

ABSOLUTELY! And, the three jurors who lied to the judge and attorneys about the death penalty should be arrested for perjury, tried and imprisoned! Or the judge could order a new trial because of a discredited jury!

By ChangeTheLaw

December 15, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Georgia needs to change the state law regarding the death penalty. There are states that do not require a unanimous verdict by the jury to sentence the convicted of the death penalty.

Georgia should change its laws so that we can take into account like the three cowards on the Nichols jury who didn’t do the right thing.

By YES!

December 15, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Those three asinine jurors who lied under oath deserve to be put to trial as well as putting that cold-blooded murderer up for a death penalty trial at the federal level. Maybe for once the federal government won’t let me down!

By Richard Simmons

December 15, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

You people can’t keep blaming the jury. There are just people out there that are totally against the death penalty no matter how terrible the crime. The defense lawyers knew this and all they needed was one person like that on the jury. People, this is the legal system we have and when you have 12 different personalities try to come to the same decision, it will not always happen the way you would expect. Should the Feds try him? I don’t know. What if it is the same outcome, then what will you say? They just made the families have to relive these horrific crimes again and spend even more money. If this isn’t the type of justice system you want to live in, move to another country.

By Roni

December 15, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Fry Him

By Injust

December 15, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

If it had been a white person who killed 4 black people, the community in Atlanta would be up in arms over the decision. If anyone deserves the death penalty, it would be for shooting a judge in OPEN COURT. In fact, let’s make that an automatic sentence. 485, 7 life sentences, plus 4 life sentences with out parole is too good for him. He needs to be chained to the floor in SUPERMAX, in a room with no sunlight and be forgotten about. Maybe Obama will correct this injustice and impose a Federal Death sentence on him, since the “Good Citizens” of Fulton County want to make a race issue out of this.

By Paul

December 15, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

GaLiberal,

You are incorrect. Agent Wilhelm was trying to apprehend Nichols. Nichols then proceeded to kill him. A Federal agent trying to apprehend a suspect in a court house shooting is acting in the capacity as a Federal agent.

By To The Anti-Wooten

December 15, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

People are angry at those jurors for LYING UNDER OATH. That is, how do I put it in terms you would understand… Oh, ILLEGAL.

Had they sat there and discussed with the other jurors then came to the conclusion that he deserved life over death, then fine. Should he kill again, it’s on their heads, but at least they used a brain cell or two. Instead, they stuck their thumbs up their butts and sat in a coma for two days and ignored any thought processes they might have been capable of. I get the feeling you were one of those jurors… It’s on your head when he escapes again, sweetheart.

By SAG

December 15, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I was not that surprised by the jury’s decision not to have him put to death. Afterall, this is Atlanta and we’re not exactly known for dishing out death penalty verdicts in Fulton or DeKalb counties. With all the daily murders that happen in DeKalb, recently DeKalb handed down it’s first death penalty in over twenty years. Let him be forgotten in the supermax an sit and rot to death. No longer will he be the celebrity in the local jail getting special treatment because of who he is. He will be just another convicted murderer in a place where they warehouse the most dangerous of the dangerous and they’ll slam his ugly face into a cement wall in a second there, they won’t take crap off him. Let him have one second alone with a few other cons in the supermax that would like nothing better than to make a name for themselves by crushing his face and skull. Let him slowy rot and let his parents go broke and let his friends forget him. He is already in hell.

By Elephant Whip

December 15, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Why continue to make offerings of millions of public dollars for the execution of Brian Nichols? His heinous crimes already made him infamous. The drawn-out trial resulting from Howard’s insistence on the death penalty has made Nichols a national celebrity. The jury’s verdict of life without parole sent him to superstardom. Another trial for death will put him in the history books. And if he gets (or had gotten) the death penalty, he would be able to appeal it for about 20 years before execution. Brian Nichols does not deserve this much attention. He needs to be permanently locked away in Supermax and forgotten.

Nichols did not deserve the amount of money spent trying to execute him. If the DA had accepted the life without parole deal offered by Nichols’ attorneys, he would have disappeared into a maximum security prison forever. Moreover, I would not be surprised if, in Nichols’ mind, he would see execution as a better penalty. Now he must live without any freedom for many, many years and he will have no recourse through the courts after a brief appellate procedure, if he appeals at all.

The crimes he committed were beyond awful. But taking his life is not worth millions and millions of dollars. If he’s a worthless individual, leave him in the prison for life, and quit giving him so much attention. For all we know, he’s enjoying his stardom.

By JackP

December 15, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Life without parole is a legal myth. The GA Board of Pardons and Parole has the authority to reduce the sentence or commute it and set him free. Life without parole is a paper tiger. Only when the death sentence is carried out does finality exist. Nichols will be able to file appeals endlessly for as long as he lives. There are enough worthless lawyers out there to keep appeals flowing for the next 50 yrs.

By Mykal

December 15, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Hell No He has been tried and convicted move on, No one has the right to take a life save Christ. life in prison ever of heard of what would Chirst Do

forgiveness is gift try it sometimes

By Rocky

December 15, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

The jury failed us. The lawyer did a bad job picking the jury. This man should fry for what he did.

I saw try him for the Federal Crimes as well.

He should have been given DEATH.

By kathy

December 15, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Yes - he killed innocent people and they were not given an option of death or life in prison without parole. He could strike again - and the 3 hold outs on the jury will have to live with themselves if he escapes again. I saw no remorse from Nichols. What were these jurors thinking when they were picked for this case? Maybe next trial can get it right - you kill and you pay for your crime. Taxpayers should not support this man for the rest of his life.

By bill

December 15, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

yes, and then a big yes, federal jury will stick that neddle in him

By JackP

December 15, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Trying him in Federal Court would be a waste of money. Even if he was sentenced to death it would not matter. Obama is against the death penalty and he would commute his sentence to life anyway. Just you wait and see as those on Federal death row come up for execution and Obama shows his true liberal form of justice.

By Miss P

December 15, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Just let it go already. People have the right to their opinions as the jury gave, and Brian Nichols has the right to a fair trial. He got that and justice was served. Its better that he is sentenced to life in prison without parole because he can think about the wrong he did … people who’s lives he changed forever, including his own. He’s never getting out again. Why continue to subject him and the victims’ families to this craziness?

By steve

December 15, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

This blood lust is disgusting.

Once he’s dead, nothing will be better.

He can’t hurt anyone else. Let it go.

By Clay

December 15, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

I whole heartedly urge the Feds to try Brian Nichols. Full justice was not served in Fulton County. Brian Nichols still needs to get what he deserves, the death penalty!

And YES! I do blame the three members of the jury who voted against justice, voted against the victims of Brian Nichols!

By JJ

December 15, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

I say send him to the supermax prison. With his temper and attitude, it will just be a matter of time before he is killed in prison anyway by one of the inmates who are just like him.

By Judey

December 15, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

To all you anti-capital punishment geeks, if I drove drunk & killed somebody, I would expect to be shot. The great USA is the land of the free, for those whom are innocent but those whom committ an act of murder & there is evidence ( as in the Nichols case) should be fried. Oh I forgot we live in the BIBLE-BELT, I believe in: you commit a crime you pay, eye for eye tooth for tooth, no sympethy. That’s what’s wrong with our system now you commit a deadly crime you go to jail & get out, And commit again. I’m tired of paying for habitual violators, let them all fry!!

By John

December 15, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

I say yes they should. Yes he will be on Death Row for a long time with the appeals process. But he will not be in a regular prison and have the chance to kill a guard, and he will if given the chance. This guy is a monster.

By Richard Simmons

December 15, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

What are you people talking about? The same site that you are blogging on already reported that there were 3 jurors that expressed very strong feelings against the death penalty. So when exactly did they lie under oath and what can they be charged for? Get the facts right before you type.

By Melissa

December 15, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Why would anyone want to spend any more money on this waste of a human? Even if the Feds were able to sentence him to death (wasting tax money on yet another trial), even more tax money would be thrown away in the appeals process. Twenty years later he might be executed, that is if the death penalty isn’t deemed cruel and unusual punishment somewhere along the way.

Lock him away, assign him manual labor, and stop wasting time and energy on a person who contributes nothing valuable to society.

By Blkshepherd

December 15, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

The last time I served on a jury if my memory serves me correctly they specifically ask how you feel about certain issues. You are to answer honestly. If you have reservations about certain things you are to state them.As well as being Objective. When you state them they usually CUT you. I feel these jurors were less than truthful and knew From the start they would have problems coming back with a death vote. These jurors threw the entire trial being less than honest. I do not believe for one second that at the last minute they decided he should not get the death penalty especially after hearing Nichols state if he had to do it again he would stop off on the third floor and shoot the *&%#$! out the DA. This Clearly shows the man had no remorse and if those jurors could not see that, they HAD NO RIGHT to be on the jury. I wonder how those jurors would feel if Nichols escaped and Killed one of their relatives, I will bet they wouldnt be so forgiving. Yes the system needs to be changed. No more 1-2-3 idiots holding out. The 9 jurors(Majority) should have been Enough. After all the Majority Rules in everything else in this country. How backwards can this be? They act as though those victims lives meant Nothing. And the killer was the Victim. All I can say is, Whatever goes around comes around. Will see how they feel when someone gets murdered in their family, Let them feel the pain the victims families are now feeling.

By Juanita

December 15, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

No.No need to waste any more time, money, energy and sanity on this. He has received over 400 years, and four life sentences. If he were tried again, it would cost us more and more. And then who is to say he would get the death penalty. And he he did, get the death penalty, he would be on death row 20 years or more with appeal after appeal. The jury has spoken. Why is it, that we put our trust in the Jury, but we they don’t give the verdic we want, or expect, then we don’t honor it? As one of the other persona have said, death would probably be too good for Brian.
I pray for the comfort of the victims’ families and friends. And also for the Nichols’ family. It has been a slow death for all of them………….

By Tank

December 15, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Yes. Federal trial, Federal conviction and Federal execution. I don’t blame Paul Howard, I blame the liberal, entitlement, “oppressed” mentality of the majority of Fulton county citizens (i.e. mentality of citizens of most any large urban area).

Then revise the GA statutes for capital jury trials from unanimous to majority decisions.

By IBJ

December 15, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Justice needs to be served! No where else in the world can you kill four people and not be put to death. He killed four innocent people! Not to mention He almost took the life of a fifth. Make an example of Nichols! Fry him…

By NICK

December 15, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

DON”T waste anymore tax payer money!

His a* will never see the light of day anyhow. He has no chance of parole, so let him be the Aryan Brotherhood’s “bi*ch”.

By Another State Corrections employee

December 15, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

I work for the GA Dept. of Corrections and I believe that Nichols got what he deserved. I mean think about it if he would have death how many years would he have to sit on death row before we killed him. I don’t think that with his mind set that he will last too many years in prison. He said “it’s not in my DNA” to to be in prison. He probably kill himself or someone else will do it. I don’t think that Paul Howard should waste anymore money on him and I don’t think the Feds should waste any money on him, just send him to the Supermax and let everything be over with!!!

By Dee

December 15, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

If this cold-blooded killer doesn’t deserve the death penalty, then there is no sense in even having a death penalty.

By My Two Cents

December 15, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

B.N. is a conniving and slimy lowlife who had more than his 15 minutes of fame. The people that died that day did not deserve their fates. There is no doubt of his guilt so hang him in front of the courthouse steps or even better let him be target practice for police new recruits!

By catlady

December 15, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Should he be tried again? Yes. If it takes Georgia money? No. Against his constitutional rights? Who cares? Will we get a different result? Probably. Different jury pool.

By Sheila

December 15, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

I am so sick of this whole thing. Justice has been served. The man will spend the REST OF LIFE behind bars which for some is worst than death. Are you people listening to yourselves. Because he didn’t get the punishment you wanted, we now need to change laws and try him again somewhere. Are you listening to yourselves. Let it GO. This has gone on far enough

By Recent Return

December 15, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand all of the payback talk. As despicable as Nichols is, he is still a human being (regardless of what any of you say). No one here has any right to decide that a human being doesn’t have the right to live. Killing is immoral, right? Of course it is. So is killing a criminal, no matter what they did. Let him rot in prison for the rest of his life, I’m sure the guards will let him know what they think. And about the jurors: I don’t know exactly what they told prosecutors when they were picked. The law doesn’t state that they have to vote for the death penalty, they just have to be able to consider it. That’s up to the individual to decide if they did that… although it doesn’t sound like one of them did. And the law should never be changed to less than unanimous for the death penalty. That law is there to protect all of our rights. We all want a fair trial, and this law is to help achieve that.

By LSDPOUT

December 15, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

All a juror has to say is “In the appropriate case, I could oppose the death penalty” and that’s enough. The anti-death-penalty people know exactly what they need to say in order to get qualified to sit on the jury.

The DA’s don’t “pick” jurors. They just get to eliminate some of them. If your community is full of nuts, the jury pool is as well. If the jury pool is full of nuts, you can’t eliminate them all.

Fulton is full fo anti-death-penalty liberals. You can’t get rid of all of them.

Fulton remains a great place to kill someone.

By Hellbent

December 15, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I am appalled at the reactions of some people to this verdict. The vitriol, bile & all-out hatred being spewed by these people really scares me. Justice has been served in this case and the man will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Case closed.

While you’re so busy screaming about the death penalty; why are you so willing to take a life? How can you look in the mirror? I find it hard to think that anyone would want to kill another human being, no matter what the consequences. Now, I will have to say that if I am protecting myself and my child, I will do whatever is necessary to do so. However, as a last resort only. Then I would have to live with my decision for the rest of my life.

Why are we so willing to kill someone with the death penalty, yet are so opposed to abortion? A life is a life and neither you nor I are ever in any position to make that call. Now, some of you are going to get yourselves into a lather regarding the fact that he did, in fact, kill 4 people. How does killing him satisfy anything? Would seeing his head on a platter satiate your need for blood? Would you be able to actually carry out the deed yourself? If you could, then I think you should really examine yourself. I’m not siding with the abortion advocates nor am I siding with the pro-life people. Thankfully, I will never have to make that decision. The laws are in place regarding that, and thankfully we now have a president and regime in place to ensure that it remains. Killing is killing, no matter how you look at it.

By Mike

December 15, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Absolutely!! This guy doesn’t deserve life. There was no doubt about his guilt or that these murders were premeditated. He remains a danger to society and needs to be dealt with accordingly. This case was just one more example of a blatant breakdown of our justice system. The laws requiring unamious agreement on verdicts relating to the death penalty must be changed. The majority must rule.

By Rick

December 15, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

no furthur court. The scum has been convicted and sentenced .Hopefully prison society will take his cute little sweet face that has been put all over the media for almost 4 years and he will be someones b*** , repeatedly raped and ultmately die in prison . He deserves nothing other than our society to hold him in complete attempt and isolate in maximum security until he is killed in prison . Hopeully sooner than later.

By dwight

December 15, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

YES AN WHERE THOSE 3 JURORS WHEN HE WAS KILLING 4 PEOPLE THEY DID NOT GET A CHANCE LIFE.AN I WILL SAY AGAIN HELL YES LET THE FEDS HAVE HIM!

By Bruce L. Floyd

December 15, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

What is unclear about the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution? Our constitution is worth not killing a thousand like Nichols.

“”Amendment 5”” - Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; “”nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb”“; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

By Dave-E

December 15, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Did Georgia receive justice - NO!! I worked in the NC Correction department years ago (in rehab) and you people who think he will be just locked away safely forever are sadly mistaken. He will have the opportunity somewhere down the line to murder again; a guard, fellow inmate, visitor ….who knows. Ask any guard in the system and they will tell you the most dangerous people in the system are lifers without the possibility of parole. The have nothing to loose. They are the enforcers for all prison gangs. If you think he can be kept separate from all other people you are dreaming. The bleating (sp on purpose!) heart liberals have seen to that - he is entitled to exercize on the yard, law library privileges, etc. Somewhere in the next 40 years an oppotunity will presrnt itself and he will kill again; probably some poor prison guard! FRY HIM!!! -

By Matt sherrell

December 15, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

I don’t think that Paul Howard should try this case again. I think he’s trying to satisfy his ego, he is looking out for his job. This is political hogwash. If I were on the jury duty, I would have been hold-out number 4.

By wayne Robinson

December 15, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

If a federal trial is ONLY because he didn’t get the death penalty then no. But if because he killed a federal officer and that is standard protocol then yes.

The cost of another trial is a burden on the already stressed government. Even if he received the sentence in a federal court, it would still be probably 20 years of further cost for appeals etc. It’s just a no win anyway you look at it.

Just make sure he can’t ever be let loose on the public.

By Keith Helms

December 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Justice will not be served until the jurors who refused to vote for the death penalty under any circumstances are tried and convicted of perjury.

By Rita

December 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

In many regards death is not always punishment. Which do you think is worse…being in prison for the rest of your life or being put to rest? I think his incarceration until his natural life ends is far worse than the death penalty.

By THEODORE

December 15, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Killing this man will not change the event on the tragic day, and the state has spent enough money on this case, if they continue to pursue the death penalty, then the state cannot show why people are out of work when they can spend this much money on a trial. Are we really in a recession? With money being spent on another trial when a juror of his peers has already determined his punishment, or are we saying we don’t believe in the criminal justice system as it is? STOP WASTEFUL SPENDING

By Rob

December 15, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Brian Nichols was forced into a corner. He was in a rape trial that was not going the prosecutions way. When the prosecution realized that, they told him to his face that they were going to continue prosecuting him… that they would keep him in jail and hold up any bail or anything. So he did feel that the system was treating him unfairly and the thing that was being wagered was his LIFE. The man literally “snapped”. If I were on the jury I would’ve voted for “guilt by reason of insanity” because everyone knows he was crazy. There are people committed to insane institutions everyday. His fate should’ve been decided by a psychiatrist, not a jury. And for the prosecution to even send the notion that he did not get a fair trial… I say Bollox… Every trial is not going to go the way you want. They just need to be satisfied that he is in jail with no possibility of parole. Everybody lost on this one

By Ed

December 15, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Think about it, had he gotten the death penalty he would still be a death penalty appeal case and afforded special representation with lawyers experienced in death penalty cases. He doesn’t get that now. He will probably go to Supermax in Colorado and believe me, they don’t play games. He will locked up and isolated for 23 hours a day. This man won’t be able to handle the isolation, he’ll go bonkers. To the guards at Supermax, he is just another person they’ll shoot five times in a New York minute if he tries anything funny. You know they know what he did and how he likes to kill so give them a chance to have some fun with old Brian. Also, his parents are flat busted, broke…the fools spent all their money defending their genetic mutant mistake, good for them , they deserve to go flat broke spawning that mutant into the world and defending him. His mother should rot in hell along side her demented son. I’d hate to know he grew in me for nine months. Let Brian go to Supermax. He is in for one day after another of hell. He’ll go nuts!

By The Truth

December 15, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

First let me say that he should have received death. But I am tired of people asking for 2 bites of the apple if they don’t like the verdict of a trial. They spent over 5 million dollars to trying to get the verdict and sentence they wanted and over another 2 million for his defense. Over 7 million dollars of the taxpayers money to get a sentence he would have accepted in the first place. The D.A. office didn’t do their job well enough to the satisfaction of what most of the public thought should be a easy slam-dunk death penalty case. Remember peoplestay on death row for almost 29years anyway in this country.

By Observer

December 15, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

While I am a proponent of the death penalty and feel it should have been used in this case, I do not feel the feds should try this case for the sole purpose of achieving a verdict of death. This strategy was tried with Fred Tokars and ended badly. In that case, the feds went first and when they were unsuccessful, the Cobb County DA tried Tokars and was likewise unsuccessful. Millions were spent and both sentences were the same – life without parole.

A verdict of death is a statistical improbability given that it requires a unanimous opinion among the jurors and it’s not worth the additional taxpayer funds required to pursue it.

Let the man rot in prison while serving time as some other inmate’s wife.

By Rob

December 15, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Also, what about Ted Kazynski? He didn’t get the death sentence. And by definition, he was a serial killer. But you all want to put a man to death because he “PUSHED” by the system to do that. Ted and other serial killers weren’t pushed. They just wanted to kill.

By Pete

December 15, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Try him in Fed Court. If this guy didn’t get the death penalty for cold blooded pre-meditated murder then who should? Only our justice system would have wasted the money trying him. To bad he didn’t try to shoot it out with the ATL cops.

By Antoine

December 15, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

No, the Feds should not try Nichols. The tax payers have already suffer enough. Life in prison without parole is worst than death, because he will have to live with what he had done everyday.

By Fernessa

December 15, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Yes, I think the feds should pick up this case as a death penalty because a federal agent was killed.

By Smith

December 15, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

This is in response to Sam who said Georgia doesn’t have a supermax. That is correct, but Georgia can send an inmate to the Federal Supermax in South Carolina. H Rap Brown who was sentenced to LWOP here in Fulton County is already there along with Federal inmate Eric Rudolph who also terrorized the city of Atlanta.

I don’t think we need to spend more taxpayer money on prosecuting Nichols. He needs to go to Supermax where he is locked in a cell for 23 hours a day.

By KDH

December 15, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I think that life w/o parole will eventually kill him anyway. His main goal orignally was to avoid jail time so being that he is sentenced knowing that he will never, ever, have a possibility of being a free man is punishment enough for a person like him who believes that he is still a slave. Death serves no purpose for people like him. He would feel like he’s free at that point.

By Some Sense

December 15, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

The State (state?) has no right to take life; if anything the State’s role is to preserve life.

That being said, let’s get Brian Nichols off the front page, get him to wherever he’s going, and let all the residual players in this mess get on with their lives.

Finally, another whiff for DA Howard in a high profile case, Ray Lewis and now this one.

By You Know Who It Is

December 15, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

It is not the jurors fault Brian Nichols committed the rape and murders. Paul Howards office let him off the first time and was hoping for redemption the second time. Just because you don’t have a problem imposing the death penalty does not mean you have to impose it as a sentence. As far as one of my family members,it will not take a jury of 12 but an army of 1.

By Jonas

December 15, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Can we get the death penalty for the Paul Howard administration? When is this incompetent up for re-election?

By Dunwoody Reader

December 15, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

As long as it is possible to keep him in a truly secure place, to have another trial would be a waste of the court’s time and taxpayers’ resources. Should he be convicted again and sentenced to death, the cost in time and money for the automatic appeals process would be even more millions. It will be less of a financial and emotional drain on society to keep him in a high security prison than to continue prosecuting him.

By djbrown

December 15, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Hey The Anti-Wooten…..ARE YOU STUPID?!!! I can tell you’re a bleeding heart liberal! If that was your family member you wouldn’t feel that way and if you would then YOU ARE STUPID!!

By Carol Reynolds

December 15, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Yes he should be tried by the Feds. He should have received the death penalty for the other murders. There were many witness to the murders and there was no doubt that he killed them in cold blood. He planned the whole thing and executed his plan. There was no reasonable doubt.

Why should taxpayers pay for him to be fed and observed by officers. He will try and escape and there is no doubt about that.

He is POND SUM, the FEDS should go after him and procure the DEATH PENALTY for the guilty evil person, he is not even a man. He saught this man out and he murdered him in cold blood. He wants to say he was insane by way of in-slavery this is a bunch of bull. Salvery has not been around in many years. I know the scars of his grand parents are and will always be there. There is nothing we can do but go forward as Obama says and unite our country as one Nation under GOD, WE ARE ALL GOD’S CHILDREN. I have always been taught this and that we should treat others as we want to be treated.

We have spend millions of dollars on this worthless man. Go get him Feds give him the same thing he gave your agent.

By Shannon

December 15, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Yes, yes, yes and oh btw, did I say YES??!!

By djbrown

December 15, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

We could only be so lucky for one of his prison cohorts to take him out. What a day that will be!!! Glorious!!

By Bobby

December 15, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Since Nichols likes to escape all the time, just let him escape, (accidently on purpose) and then do what he did to the victims…

By Alpi

December 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

No!! They have already wasted much too much of the taxpayers money, drawing this ridiculous trail out for 4 years, when it was obvious Nichols was guilty. Why waste more money when he will never get out anyway., I think life without possibility of parole serves him right. The state could use that money for more important things, like for schools, healthcare, etc.

By HEMI4X4

December 15, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

WHY TRY HIM IN FEDERAL COURT WHEN THE SOB WILL GET THE SAME SENTANCE. HOW LONG WILL THIS TRIAL STRETCH OUT AND HOW MUCH MORE OF THE TAXPAYERS MONEY WILL BE WASTED ON THE S.O.B.

By red adair

December 15, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

He should be Tried and Fried—Go directly to Hell!

By CommonSenseRules

December 15, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

No to federal prosecution.

Because state-sponsored murder is not a deterrent, and allows those properly convicted to get off too easily, I am an opponent of the death penalty. My stance has nothing to do with taking the moral high ground. It fries my grits that Timothy McVey got off without having to live the remainder of his natural life in misery.

Brian Nichols’ trial — or, more accurately described — the excesses that were allowed from the bench — effectively bankrupted the public defense fund in this state. Federal prosecution would be for ego satisfaction, and serve no justice purpose, not to mention it being a waste of tax dollars. Paul Howard has gotten all of the publicity that he needs from this case.

I want Nichols to be wretched for as long as he takes breath. One of two scenarios seems about right: a windowless concrete box — solo — for 23 hours a day; or assigned to the roughest segment of the general population so that he has to fear for his life on a daily basis.

Let him resist that enslavement.

By GaLiberal

December 15, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

**By Paul

December 15, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

GaLiberal,

You are incorrect. Agent Wilhelm was trying to apprehend Nichols. Nichols then proceeded to kill him. A Federal agent trying to apprehend a suspect in a court house shooting is acting in the capacity as a Federal agent.**

You are the one that is incorrect. This person encountered Nichols not while acting in his capacity as a federal agent, but as a private citizen. As such, Nichols cannot be tried by on a federal charge. I know every good little bootlicking Rethuglicon wants to get a death sentence, but it’s not going to happen.

By USCSAgent

December 15, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

I absolutely recommend that Nichols be tried Federally for killing a U.S. Customs agent. I worked for Customs in Atlanta and had the pleasure of meeting David Wilhelm. He was an excellent agent as well as great guy and he died by Nichols’ senseless act. The killing of a law enforcement officer should automatically be a death sentence case. By accepting less than that you are denying the victim’s family justice. Even though that will not bring David back, it will send a message that there are severe consequences for killing a federal agent. Nichols should suffer a little of what the survivors must live with every day. THAT would be justice.

As a retired U.S. Customs agent, we know that we may not come home one day, and we accept that possibility because we know we are a part of something better. Nichol’s life was devoted to inflicting pain, fear, and control on others. His misdeeds culminated in carnage and devastation of several families and he deserves to stand accountable for his actions, to include paying the ultimate price - his life. Hopefully Nichols will find that murdering a judge, assistant, deputy, and finally David Wilhelm has ramped it up to a federal offense. Although the case would take years to wend itself through the appellate court system, the death penalty occasionally gets carried out. While that would make closure easier, there is really no way to replace the lost lives. Nichols is guilty by his own admission, so do the right thing and take a scumbag off the taxpayer rolls, as well as making room for the next criminal. May David rest in peace knowing how much his wife Candee loved him. Our most sincere condolences for a great and noble man, part of the thin blue line. He will never be forgotten.

By hrw

December 15, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Mr. Nichols already plea guilty before this long and drawnout trail, holding him almost two years and spending countless of millions. A man plea of his guilt is no reason to prolong a trail in order to get the plea of death from the jury that sit in his judgment. Federal charges means another long court room and the same witnesses over again. If the mmoney is there than bring the charges again! Antoher selecting of juriors than go at it. You can’t find a man guility twice. If this be what you all are looking for then you all have to wait another two or three years!

By Ed

December 15, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Rob, what do you mean he was pushed into doing what he did? Do you actually believe that laughable defense that he was a slave? LOL. If he was a slave whomever purchased him hopefully kept the receipt and they can get a full refund!

By George Robinson

December 15, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

I think that Justice was not served.Brain stated that he would do it again If? he had the chance. People escape from prison all the time we should let the Feds lock him down and seek the death penalty.

By former ADA

December 15, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Everyone gets mad because they did not get the result they wanted-Death. Well, the LAW, which all jurors followed allows them to have mercy and not give the death penalty, EVEN IF aggravating factors are found. That being the case, the system worked as it was supposed to work. Understand this, just because death was authorized DOES NOT mean it was required. I wonder where all the outrage is when a death sentence is reversed because the person was found to be innocent. Unlike some, I have litigated-but never went to trial on death cases as both a prosecutor and Defense attorney.

By kay

December 15, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

YES! YES! YES!

By Webster

December 15, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

No. Enough of our taxpayer money has been spent on this thing already. The judicial system has done its job. The fault is not the system or the jurors that voted against the death penalty. The fault lies only with Paul Howard and the District Attorney’s office. How do you allow 3 people on you capital murder jury that told you in their questionnaire that they would never send the defendant to death row? Talk about inept… FIRE PAUL HOWARD AND ANY OF THE DA’S THAT ALLOWED THAT TO HAPPEN.

By Workinwithu

December 15, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Don’t waste any more tax payers dollars on this man. He will never get out and the death penalty for him is too easy. Use our money for needed things, thank you

By smh at the 3 jury

December 15, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

smh at the 3 why would you not give him the death aftere all the money he has cost this city,he$$ OUR MAYOR IS HAS LAYED OFF 900 PEPS YOU THREE SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOO.. I REALY THINK THE CITY SHOULD HAVE LET THE FEDS TRY HIM IN THE FIRST PLACE .. CAUSE THEY NEW THIS CITY DIDNT HAVE THE MONEY FOR THIS TRIAL

By inez mitchell

December 15, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Every life is valuable, every insult or injustice hurts the individuals that they are committed against. Paul Howard did not have a problem when he was not even charged for injuring a female security guard. And I surely believe that he was guilty of that act. How quickly we forget! This is not supposed to be a ‘barbaric’ society, but it always amazes me how easy it is for some people to demand ‘blood’. Killing Brian Nichols will prove nothing other than the fact that we can easily act uncivilized. The very thing that Brian Nichols’ actions are labeled as being. If you don’t agree with the verdict, are you in such a hurry for ‘your form of justice’ that you forget that there is a ‘Higher Power’ that works everything out, but in His time, not yours. Paul Howard needs to move on to the next case.

By Diane

December 15, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

OH Yeah, That jury has done the stae of Georgia a real injustice by not doing their job. NOW we will have to feed him and keep him “safe” for the rest of his life. If he gets the chance he’ll do it again. The jury hasn’t done any of us a favor. I really feel so bad for the victims’ families having to re-live this nightmare.

By kenyon

December 15, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

I feel he’s got what he going to get in one court so why take him to the feds.People want to see him dead but why it’s not going to bring those people he killed back so let the book be closed on this matter.He has went to court an the court system has made their decision on it an by law that’s what counts not what a person may feel because if we went by that what’s the use of having a court system in play for.

By Teresa

December 15, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

CoachS you are incorrect-The Federal Agent was included. However, as a federal officer Nichols can be tried under Federal Court without Double Jeopardy attaching.

By atlanta lawyer

December 15, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Corrections: JackP is wrong. the Board of Pardon and Parole doesn’t have the authority release anyone given life without parole, unless, after a public hearing, they determine the person was innocent. Not gonna happen in this case, Nichols admitted the crimes. I can’t say he’ll never get out, I’m just saying he’ll have to fight his way out with guns ablazin.

As to double jeopardy, he was charged and convicted in Fulton for killing the federal agent, but DJ doesn’t bar charging him in federal court b/c it’s a different sovereign.

As to charging the jurors for perjury: if any juror promised they would give the death penalty in this case, they would have been removed from the jury. To serve on a death penalty jury you must say that you’re willing to consider death, life w/o parole, and life. These jurors said they’d consider all three, including death. You can’t prove they didn’t consider it. Noone said they would give death and death only, only that they would consider it.

As far as not deliberating, that seems to be in debate. One of the jurors said others refused to deliberate. Another juror who voted for death said that wasn’t true, everyone deliberated and was respectful and noone was doing crossword puzzles.

By PRAY

December 15, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

First and for most, my heart goes out to the victim’s families especially at this most holy time of year. Secondly, I am disgusted by the pure, unadulterated hatred spewed forth from the people on this board. We should hate the sin not the sinner. Yes, I know I’m stupid, liberal, and whatever else the rest of you call people who have differing views from your own. Thirdly, if BN had killed one of my family memebers I would hope that I could follow my Lord and act with compassion. Lastly, I encourage all who are here to attend church this Sunday and pray. Pray for the families, pray for yourselves, and pray for peace in this world.

By anonymous

December 15, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

YES!

By inez

December 15, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

No death penalty!!! At anytime, in any state, for any reason. Vengence is mine saith the Lord. I’m interested in knowing if it is not illegal, or in the very least, a conflict of interest, for the Judge’s secretary to have been allowed to bake brownies for the juries? I think that there may be a lot of changes that need to be made in our judicial system’s procedures.

By Dave

December 15, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

YES. And get the death penalty, which if he doesn’t deserve, nobody deserves.

The cost of a federal trial would be off-set by the savings of not having to keep this monster alive and imprisoned for countless decades.

By SLB

December 15, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

No! There is too much obsession with revenge and killing in this state! It is ironic in a state widely known for lynching many innocent black people for years, (not too long ago) crimes for which no one was ever charged or punished. A state that would happily execute a possibly innocent man, Troy Davis, in order to satisfy it’s bloodlust.

Charles Manson and his crew committed mass murder and are still serving life sentences. Jeffrey Dahmer also did not receive the death penalty, despite being killed in prison. Nichols was not a life long criminal engaging in sociopathic behavior all of his life. Nichol’s friends, family and acquaintances testified that he had been a different person, a productive citizen, before his arrest. Evidently something happened and he snapped. That is the definition of temporary insanity. Given his abusive childhood, this rage had probably been smoldering in him for sometime. Is he a potential danger to society. Yes. Should he be kept away from the public? Yes. Would anything be served by executing him other than hate and revenge? No! Besides, the likelihood of the federal government prosecuting this case is slim and in most instances the federal government has not succeeded in getting the death penalty when it was sought.

By Michael

December 15, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Please try him in federal court. Please appoint me to represent him. Please, I need a bailout.

By Peer

December 15, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

The three jurors who lied on their affidavits should be charged with misrepresentation.

By Georgia

December 15, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Yes, indeed the FEDS should try him and hopefully they will do what the Fulton County jurors should have done. People who lie just to get on Capital cases to prevent the death penalty from being given should be prosecuted. They lied under oath and perjury is a crime! This man should die for the atrocities he caused-he is truly evil and will continue to kill and try to escape, putting all law enforcement at extreme danger. Not to mention the general public. He’s a monster!

By Merry Mary

December 15, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

If ever anyone deserves the death penalty, Brian Nichols is that person. There is no question of his guilt or his danger to society. But I say put his case to rest. If he does get the death penalty, there will just be years and years of appeals and he’ll never be executed in most our lifetimes. Put him in the SuperMax if possible and let him fade into oblivion.

By CRYSTLCLR

December 15, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

YES.

By H.R.

December 15, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

No. Waste of money, but send the Three that couldn’t vote Death and his high dollar Defense team to send the Weekend with him.

By KC

December 15, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

For those who have opposed spending more tax payer’s money consider this - Brian Nichols (age 37) may have 40 + years to live and at $25,000 a year we tax payers will be required to feed, house and provide medical care for his entire miserable life — that’s roughly $1,000,000 of taxpayers money. Imagine how that $1 million could be better used - more police officers, firefighters, teachers, community reach-out programs, youth programs, family counseling etc.

Plus, what signal does this give to future criminals who murder Federal officers and judges? The sentence should not be ambiguous. It should be a clear reminder to anyone else who thinks they are above the law — we will not tolerate criminal behavior and if you murder our officers you will be sentenced to death.

The three members of the jury did not do their job. They sought their own version of justice and worked crossword puzzles while the others debated. This should be enough reason to seek another sentence. Unfortunately, this happens all the time.

By Cherokee

December 15, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

KC it would cost more than $1 million to defend him - we’re paying for that, remember?

No, lock him up, toss away the key, and let him wander around his supermax cell for the next 40 years. that’s worse than death anyway…

By Alden

December 15, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I’m not the one waveing the death penilty flag, but this time the system failed!! I heard some “thug” types talking in the gas station today. The topic of the day was how to beat the system, like Nichols.