Atlanta
Georgia officials last week gave $70,000 in rewards to Ashley Smith, the widowed mom who persuaded a rape defendant to end an alleged killing spree. Smith was forced into her apartment by Brian Nichols on March 12, after, according to witnesses, he overpowered a guard and took her gun, then murdered the judge presiding over his trial and three others. Smith, 26, said she told Nichols that his life wasn’t over, and that God might have intended him to preach the Gospel in prison. “My life is a testament that God can use us even in the midst of tragedy,” Smith said, “and miracles do happen.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
