Ashley Smith Testifies Against Brian Nichols

The woman who talked accused Atlanta Courthouse killer Brian Nichols into surrendering to police testified at his trial that she appealed to his religious beliefs while she was held captive by him in her apartment. Authorities credited Ashley Smith Robinson's treatment of Nichols during her seven-hour ordeal with ending his deadly rampage.

"I said whatever was necessary to get on his good side, I guess," she told the jury.

Smith Robinson told the jury that she read to Nichols from Rick Warren's "The Purpose-Driven Life" to gain his trust. She also admitted giving Nichols methamphetamine when he asked for it, but she did not do drugs with him.

"When I chose not to do drugs with him, I felt a sense of peace," she said.

'God, Please Forgive Me'

Smith Robinson was a single mother working as a waitress and struggling with her own substance abuse problem when Nichols broke into her apartment March 11, 2005, after earlier shooting his way out of the Fulton County Courthouse during his rape trial. She credits her encounter with Nichols with getting clean and sober.

Smith Robinson told the jury that while watching television reports of the massive manhunt for him, Nichols said to himself "God, please forgive me."

Nichols has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Nichols is charged with shooting Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes and court reporter Julie Ann Brandau inside the courtroom and sheriff's Deputy Hoyt Teasley just outside the courthouse. Federal agent David Wilhelm was killed afterward at a north Atlanta home he was renovating.

The trial is in its third week of testimony.

See Also:
Ex-Hostage Held by Accused Court Gunman Testifies

Background:
Brian Nichols: Atlanta Courthouse Killer
Ashley Smith: 'An Angel Sent From God'

Read the Book:
Unlikely Angel

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