State Awards $10,000 Reward to Ashley Smith

            ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that the state of Georgia will award the $10,000 state reward money to Ashley Smith due to the information she provided that led to the apprehension of Brian Nichols.

            “Ashley Smith earned this reward because her brave actions led directly to the apprehension of Brian Nichols,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “We are all proud of the quick law enforcement effort that peacefully resolved this crisis following her 9-1-1 call.”

            Governor Perdue will present the reward after an appropriate time of mourning for the deceased.  In addition to the state reward, the Federal Bureau of Investigation offered $20,000, the U.S. Marshals Service offered $25,000 and the Georgia Sheriffs' Association offered $5,000.  The state reward money is only one portion of the total reward available.  $10,000 is the most the state can offer as a reward under Georgia law.