The trial of Atlanta courthouse shooting suspect Brian Nichols is abruptly halted. The problem? Ther
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(17 Oct 2007) EM4618
HEADLINE: Money woes put Atlanta trial on hold
CAPTION: The trial of Atlanta courthouse shooting suspect Brian Nichols is abruptly halted. The problem? There's no more money to pay for the man's defense. (Oct. 17) 2007
[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]
((SOT))
((SUPER: Monday/Atlanta, Ga.))
"I don't know how this case will be tried - ever."
((TRACK))
((VO of judge, courtroom various.))
THAT WAS MONDAY - A DIRE PREDICTION FROM THE JUDGE PRESIDING OVER THE ATLANTA COURTHOUSE SHOOTING TRIAL.
NOW, AFTER JUST TWO DAYS OF JURY SELECTION, THE TRIAL IS AGAIN ON HOLD.
HALTED, BECAUSE DEFENSE ATTORNIES SAY THEY'VE RUN OUT OF MONEY AND CAN'T PROPERLY DEFEND BRIAN NICHOLS.
((SOT))
((SUPER: Monday/Henderson Hill/Defense Attorney))
"I can only report to the court that the defense is not prepared to go forward."
((NATS))
Siren.
((TRACK))
((VO FILE of scene ADDED IN DC.))
NICHOLS FACES DEATH IF CONVICTED OF THE SHOOTINGS, WHICH TOOK PLACE AFTER HE ESCAPED FROM CUSTODY DURING A MARCH 2-THOUSAND-FIVE RAPE TRIAL.
HE'S CHARGED WITH KILLING THE JUDGE PRESIDING OVER THE TRIAL, A COURT REPORTER, A DEPUTY SHERIFF, AND A FEDERAL AGENT.
((NATS))
Court argument.
((TRACK))
((VO of defendant, courtroom various.))
NICHOLS HAS NO MONEY TO PAY FOR HIS OWN DEFENSE.
PREPARING FOR TRIAL HAS ALREADY COST THE PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE SOME ONE-POINT-EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS.
THE STATE OF GEORGIA CUT OFF FUNDING TO THE DEFENSE TEAM ON JULY FIRST.
NICHOLS' LAWYERS, WHO PLAN TO ARGUE HE WAS DILLUSIONAL AT THE TIME OF THE KILLINGS, SAY THEY CAN'T PROPERLY REPRESENT THEIR CLIENT WITHOUT MORE MONEY, IN PART TO HIRE EXPERT WITNESSES.
((SOT))
((SUPER: Monday/Hon. Hilton Fuller/Presiding Judge))
"I know that if this case goes forward without additional funding, there's no chance of a verdict standing up."
((TRACK))
((VO of courtroom various.))
NICHOLS' LAWYERS ARE NOW CALLING ON THE JUDGE TO LEVEL A CONTEMPT CHARGE AGAINST THE STATE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR FUNDING THE DEFENSE TEAM.
THEY ASKED THE JUDGE TO HALT JURY SELECTION, AND HE AGREED.
AT A HEARING ON MONDAY, THE JUDGE WILL DEMAND AN EXPLANATION FROM STATE OFFICIALS AS TO WHY THEY STOPPED PAYING THE BILLS.
STORYLINE
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