Nichols' trial date set by judge for July 10

ATLANTA --- One hurdle in the case of a man accused of killing four people in a 2005 courtroom shooting spree was resolved Monday when a judge set a date to resume the defendant's trial, but a second hurdle over the trial's location re-emerged.

Superior Court Judge James Bodiford said the July 10 trial date that he set for Brian Nichols is a firm one, and he plans to stick by it.

The trial was suspended during jury selection in October due to problems funding Mr. Nichols' defense. Those problems have not been completely resolved, but Judge Bodiford has sought to move the case along after being appointed last month to replace the previous presiding judge.

Up until now, the plan was to hold the trial in the Fulton County Courthouse complex, where the March 11, 2005, shooting spree began.

Defense lawyers had previously asked that the trial be moved to another location in the county, but that request was denied by the previous judge. Judge Bodiford agreed Monday to consider whether the Richard B. Russell federal building a few blocks away is a suitable and available site for the trial.

-- Associated Press