Nichols Jury Selection Begins

By Odette Yousef

Atlanta, GA – Today, Brian Nichols entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity then jury selection began. Nichols is accused of killing 4 people in 2005, in an alleged shooting rampage that began at Fulton County's Courthouse.

Over the last three years, the case has been delayed multiple times, mired in funding troubles and other controversies. Jury selection signals a new phase.

Finding 100 qualified potential jurors, and whittling it down to 12 jurors and 4 alternates, will take months.

The challenge became apparent when Judge James Bodiford asked the first set of jury candidates whether they had formed and/or expressed an opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the accused. 11 out of 16 raised their hands.

The panel also watched a 40-minute video, in which Bodiford read the 54-count indictment against Nichols. As they heard the events recounted, some other people in the courtroom wept quietly.