Cameras OK’d in murder trial

Television crews will be allowed to broadcast the January murder trial of a rape defendant accused of killing four people in an escape from a downtown Atlanta courthouse, a judge ruled.

The defense had requested a ban, saying the cameras’ presence would damage Brian Nichols’ right to a fair trial. They said some witnesses were reluctant to testify because of the media coverage.

Superior Court Judge Hilton Fuller disagreed and sided with the media in ruling that video and still cameras and recording equipment will be allowed, though he said he could still limit broadcasts if circumstances warrant.