CBS 46 Atlanta - Sheriff offers part of courthouse report

CBS 46 Atlanta - Sheriff offers part of courthouse report:Sheriff offers part of courthouse report
Apr 8, 2005, 12:23 PM

ATLANTA (AP) -- A Superior Court judge expects to rule early next week on whether he will release the remainder of a report into the deadly shootings at the Fulton County courthouse.

Defense attorneys for shooting suspect Brian Nichols and the prosecutor told Superior Court Judge Hilton Fuller today that they object to the release of the 33 witness statements. The statements were taken from people in the courthouse the day of the shooting March eleventh and those who had direct contact with Nichols.

They argued releasing the statements would prejudice the grand jury pool and damage Nichols' right to a fair trial. Several of the statements refer to comments that Nichols apparently made.

A media attorney, Peter Canfield, argued that the court records were prepared by the sheriff to analyze courthouse security and should be released.

A portion of the report released yesterday shows rape defendant Brian Nichols was able to enter Judge Rowland Barnes' chambers and hold occupants hostage because the door was unlocked and a buzzer system was NOT activated.

Authorities say Nichols overpowered Deputy Cynthia Hall and later stole her gun.

Nichols is being held without bond. Authorities have NOT yet charged him in connection with the shootings that left Barnes dead, along with his court reporter, a deputy and a federal agent.

The defense also has asked the judge to issue a gag order for attorneys, law enforcement and potential witnesses in the case.