Escape charge denied by accused

A RAPE defendant accused of killing a judge and three others during and after his escape from an Atlanta courthouse pleaded not guilty yesterday to murder charges that could bring the death penalty.

Brian Nichols, 33, is charged with murder, kidnapping and escape.

Nichols was on trial on a rape charge at the time of the shootings and allegedly overpowered a deputy, stole her gun and opened fire in the courtroom.