http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/13/atlan ... index.html
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- The suspect in four Atlanta killings told the woman he held hostage for about seven hours that he thought she was an "angel sent from God," she said Sunday night.
The woman, Ashley Smith, told reporters that she spoke of religion and family -- including her 5-year-old daughter -- in a bid to win the sympathy of Brian Nichols, the 33-year-old suspect.
Nichols, meanwhile, could appear in court as soon as Monday, the U.S. Attorney's Office for northern Georgia said.
Authorities launched a wide-ranging manhunt for Nichols, a defendant in a rape trial, after he allegedly killed a judge, a sheriff's deputy and court reporter before escaping from a courthouse in downtown Atlanta about 9 a.m. Friday.
After 2 a.m. Saturday, Nichols forced his was into Smith's apartment in suburban Gwinnett County, tied her up and threatened her life, Smith said.
He drove to the apartment complex in a truck he stole from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent David Wilhelm after shooting Wilhelm to death in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, according to police.
Smith said Nichols eventually unbound her hands and feet.
"I basically just talked to him and tried to gain his trust," said Smith, who was widowed four years ago and had lived in the apartment for only two days. (Full story)
Smith said she asked Nichols why he chose her and that apartment complex.
"He said he thought I was an angel sent from God," she said.
Smith said Nichols allowed her to leave to visit her daughter and that she dialed 911 about 9:50 a.m., law enforcement sources said.
As Smith was leaving, she said Nichols asked her: "'Is there anything I can do while you're gone, like hang your curtains or something?'"
"He just wanted some normalness to his life," she said.
After a SWAT team surrounded the building at the Bridgewater Apartments, Nichols surrendered. He was taken into custody about 11:24 a.m.
"He literally waved a white flag, or a T-shirt, and came out," said Chief Charles Walters of the Gwinnett County police.
Wilhelm's truck was found nearby. Authorities also recovered Wilhelm's badge and a gun thought to be his, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman said.
"RickUSN-
That was intelligent and useful Mudd.
But it certainly is what Ive come to expect.
Mindless babbling with no intent to either enlighten or inform.
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