AP News, December 23rd, 2006
Lawyers for a man accused of killing four people in a spree that started inside a courthouse lost another request that would have delayed the trial, set for next month.
Superior Court Judge Hilton Fuller said in his order Friday that "an interim appeal would not serve the ends of justice in this case; the case stands ready for trial."
Brian Nichols' lawyers wanted Fuller to let them appeal some rulings in a request that, if granted, would have delayed the trial for several months while the state Supreme Court decided whether to hear the appeal.
They had repeatedly requested a delay of the Jan. 11 trial, saying they needed more time to prepare. Fuller previously denied that request, and on Thursday denied one to reconsider, leaving the "interim appeal" request as the only way to delay the trial.
Nichols is charged with murder and other offenses stemming from the March 11, 2005, shooting spree that started at the Fulton County Courthouse in downtown Atlanta.
He is accused of grabbing a deputy's gun at the courthouse, where he was being retried on rape charges, and fatally shooting the judge, a court reporter and a sheriff's deputy. He also is accused of killing a federal agent he encountered at a home a few miles away that night.
Nichols surrendered the next day after allegedly taking a woman hostage in her apartment. He has pleaded not guilty.
Nichols' lawyers have said they are considering a mental health defense, and have not elaborated.
