Legal Commentary

Jury Deadlocks on Death Penalty for Atlanta Courthouse Shooter

By Jeralyn

The jury in the Brian Nichols' trial today told the court it was deadlocked on whether he should get the death penalty. The Judge has ordered them to keep deliberating.

Prosecutors have been seeking the death penalty for Nichols, 36, who was convicted of killing a judge and a court reporter in the Fulton County Courthouse, where he was being tried for rape.

He also was convicted of killing a sheriff's deputy outside the courthouse and a federal agent in northern Atlanta.

The possibilities now: [More...]

If after further deliberations, the jury is still split, the judge may poll the jury again. If seven or more jurors are in favor of the death penalty or a life sentence without parole, the judge can sentence Nichols to life without parole.

If the majority are in favor of a life sentence with the possibility of parole, the judge can pass only that sentence.

Our past coverage of the case is accessible here.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on December 11, 2008 (boomark / email).