Gov. Perdue looks on at a ceremony for Ashley Smith.
Gov. Sonny Perdue speaks of Ashley Smith's bravery.
Smith is given a plaque by U.S. Marshal Richard Mecum.
Posted on 03/24/2005 8:10:52 PM PST by BigSkyFreeper
One by one, various federal and state agencies handed former hostage Ashley Smith reward checks for her heroism and bravery that ended the hunt for a fugitive wanted in four separate murders.
During a ceremony inside the state Capitol Thursday, law enforcement officials along with Gov. Sonny Perdue praised Smith, 26, for her actions after being taken hostage by courthouse shooting suspect Brian Nichols on March 12.
"We never counted on Ashley Smith. We never took that into consideration but, Ashley, with your calm demeanor and handling of the situation, with your cool headed reasoning, you were able to overcome a very serious situation," U.S. Marshal Richard Mecum said while handing Smith a $25,000 check.
Within moments, Smith received $70,000 in reward money as a credit to the way she handled Nichols and eventually convinced him to allow her to leave her apartment in Gwinnett County.
Nichols had confronted Smith as she entered her apartment at 2 a.m. and held her hostage for seven hours. During that time, Smith said she spoke of her 5-year-old daughter and her need to stay alive because her husband had been killed. Eventually, Smith read to Nichols from an inspirational book concerning a person's need to find their purpose in life.
"Trapped in her home with a dangerous killer, Ashley won his trust through her humanity and her compassion. She talked about her late husband and a love for her daughter and she talked about her faith," said Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Perdue said Smith "pierced his hardened heart" and "let him see it was time to put down his weapon, time to let her go, time to surrender to justice."
When Nichols allowed Smith to leave her home, she alerted authorities to his whereabouts and he surrendered peacefully. Smith spoke briefly during the ceremony.
"Throughout this journey, I have felt your prayers and your prayers have sustained and strengthened me. "Yes, my life has changed but that is a small fraction compared to all the families who lost loved ones during this tragic event earlier in the month. My heart goes out to all the families of those that are still mourning," she said.
"My life is testimony that God can use us even in the midst of tragedy and miracles do happen."
Smith has been staying with relatives in Augusta since the ordeal. In all, she received $25,000 from the U.S. Marshals Office, $20,000 from the FBI, $10,000 from Perdue's office, $5,000 from the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, $5,000 from the Georgia Fraternal Order of Police and $5,000 from the city of Atlanta. She previously received $2,500 from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.
Could the mods please fix this?
She's a beautiful woman - inside and out.
She did what most wouldn't even think out. All done with words and caring.
What strength! What character!
Finally, a good story. Thanks for posting it. < :)
$70,000 before taxes.
Shouldn't you be on this thread slandering Ashley?
That should be written on her headstone. I hope that my life will reflect the same testimony when all is said and done.
She can afford that nose job now.>>>>>>>>>>>>
I'd take her as is.
"The Angel of Atlanta"
"My life is testimony that God can use us even in the midst of tragedy and miracles do happen." >>>>>
That should be written on her headstone. I hope that my life will reflect the same testimony when all is said and done.
Yours is the first mention of Ashley's boyfriend... tell us more!
Source, please!
Fact, Brian Nichols, A big young black man, dated mostly white girls AND it is believed by many in the sheriffs department that he dated Ashley.
Source, please?
Go for it, cool one.
He has no more about the "boyfriend" most likely. It "smells" to him like things "smelled" to you before.
At least you were a good poet, Chieftain!
;-)
At least you gave us a break, but now you are back, dragging your heartbroken tail behind you.
I see bhp just signed up and onto FR today. Is bhp now your alias Chieftain. If not bhp where are you getting your scummy rumormongering info from. You got links or is it you speak from wallowing in the mire yourself?
Here familurize yourself with the info, and don't call us, we'll never call you.
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