[Peach]

Barnes had requested additional security for Nichols' trial on rape and other charges after deputies found two crude weapons in the defendant's socks earlier in the week. Sheriff Myron Freeman on Saturday could not say whether Hall was aware of the increased threat or whether extra precautions had been put into place.

Etheridge said the deaths were "absolutely preventable."

Finally, someone is speaking sense and willing to tell it like it is. These deaths WERE preventable and should never happened. Which makes it all the more tragic.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

One 130 pound female deputy in control of a 260 pound male who is facing ten years in prison. You figure it out.

[photodawg]

To all who criticize the police work and security procedures, please understand that you are making the defense for the perpetrator. He was upset and unbalanced, and the Atlanta police and justice system didn't make adequate provisions for his safety.

Hind sight is 20/20. As soon as Nichols attacked the deputy its all on him. The death penalty is the only proper result from this incident. Atlanta has been securing prisoners with armed deputies for many years and it was a good enough system until Mr Nichols took things into his own hands.

Yes, improve the security, but not until after Nichols is properly executed for his crimes.