Brian Gene Nichols was born on December 10, 1971, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in a middle-class family. As a child, he attended Cardinal Gibbons School, where he was educated through his early years.

After high school, Nichols went to Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He attended the university from 1989 to 1990. While he was there, he played football. However, he was also known for having a knack for trouble during his college years. Nichols did not complete his education at Kutztown and dropped out of college in 1990.

On March 11, 2005, Brian Gene Nichols overpowered Sheriff Deputy Cynthia Hall at the Fulton County Courthouse. He stole her service pistol and severely beat her. Nichols then changed into civilian clothes intended for his trial. He encountered several people in the courthouse, including case managers and an attorney, whom he held at gunpoint while demanding to be led to the judge's chambers.

Nichols entered the courtroom and fatally shot Judge Rowland Barnes and court reporter Julie Ann Brandau. He also shot Sergeant Hoyt Teasley while escaping. Throughout his escape, Nichols stole several vehicles and was later featured on America's Most Wanted due to a large-scale manhunt that followed his actions.

Later that day, Nichols attempted to kidnap a young woman but fled when her boyfriend intervened. He subsequently fatally shot ICE Special Agent David G. Wilhelm and took his badge, gun, and pickup truck.

On March 12, a young woman named Ashley Smith called 9-1-1 to report Nichols was at her apartment in Duluth, Georgia. After holding her hostage for several hours, Nichols surrendered to law enforcement. Authorities found several stolen firearms and the stolen truck nearby.

Nichols was taken to an FBI field office and then to an Atlanta Police Station, where he confessed to his crimes. On May 5, 2005, he was indicted on 54 counts, including murder and kidnapping.

During his trial, which began on September 22, 2008, Nichols pled not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecution presented evidence that challenged his claims of mental instability. After the jury deliberated, they found him guilty on all counts on November 7, 2008.

On December 13, 2008, Nichols was sentenced to multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole. The jury failed to reach a unanimous decision for the death penalty, leading to his life sentences being the maximum penalty given by the judge. He is currently incarcerated at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison.

Some family members of the victims later filed civil lawsuits against Fulton County, with significant financial settlements awarded in some cases.