One Georgia judge blasts another

ATLANTA, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The Georgia judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of killing four people in a courthouse shooting spree has been harshly criticized by a fellow judge.

Judge Craig Schwall, in an e-mail sent to other judges in Fulton County, said Judge Hilton Fuller is "a disgrace and pulling us all down," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said.

Schwall was appointed to replace Judge Rowland Barnes, one of four people allegedly shot and killed by Brian Nichols. The other victims were a court reporter, sheriff's deputy and federal agent.

Fuller has angered many people by supporting requests by Nichols' legal team for more money. The defense has now cost more than $1 million.

While many judges apparently agree with Schwall's criticisms, others have sent Fuller cards urging him to stand firm. He refused to comment Thursday on Schwall's e-mail, saying only "Keep those cards and letters coming."

"He is single-handedly destroying the bench and indigent defense, and eroding the public trust in the judiciary," Schwall said in his e-mail. "Surely he can be replaced. He is a fool."