Judge-shooting case heroine given $70,000

ATLANTA, March 25 (UPI) -- The woman held hostage by a suspect in the killing of a judge in Atlanta was feted in the Georgia Capitol, and presented reward checks totaling $70,000.

Ashley Smith was lauded Thursday by a parade of state and local officials, who took turns presenting her with checks ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

"My life is testimony that God can use us even in the midst of tragedy and that miracles do happen," Smith said.

The 26-year-old woman was held hostage for more than seven hours by Brian Nichols, who is suspected of killing four people, including Fulton County Superior Judge Rowland Barnes while escaping from a March 11 hearing regarding a rape charge.

Nichols encountered Smith about 2 a.m. March 12 and the woman said she talked to Nichols about her family and God. He allowed her to leave, ostensibly to visit her daughter, and she was able to call police. Nichols then surrendered without incident.

Smith had been praised for the calm she showed under the duress of the situation. She was rewarded financially with $25,000 from the U.S. Marshals Service, $20,000 from the FBI and four smaller checks.