Former hostage gets $70,000 for arrest in courthouse shootings

ATLANTA -- The woman who led authorities to suspected courthouse shooter Brian Nichols was given $70,000 Thursday by Gov. Sonny Perdue and officials from other agencies who offered rewards in the case.

The amount Ashley Smith received was $7,500 more than what was publicly offered.

Ashley Smith, a 26-year-old widowed mother, was held hostage for seven hours by Nichols at her suburban Atlanta apartment before she convinced the suspect to allow her to leave so she could see her young daughter. Smith then immediately placed the 911 call that led to Nichols' arrest.

Smith has said she spoke with Nichols for hours about her daughter, her husband's death four years ago from a stabbing wound, and her faith in God. Smith said she told Nichols that he might be destined to be caught so he could spread the word of God to fellow prisoners.

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

Smith received $25,000 from the U.S. Marshals Office, $20,000 from the FBI, $10,000 from Perdue's office, $5,000 from the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, $5,000 from the Georgia Fraternal Order of Police and $5,000 from the city of Atlanta. She previously received $2,500 from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.

"Hopefully, it's going to be used for education, it's going to be used to pay off some loans, it's going to be used to give a portion of it to the Lord," said her grandfather, Dick Machovec.

Smith said the publicity had been both overwhelming and humbling.

"Yes, my life has changed but that is a small fraction compared to all the families who lost loved ones during this tragic event earlier in the month. My heart goes out to all the families of those that are still mourning," she said.

U.S. Marshall Richard Mecum, among those presenting checks, told Smith his agency had expected the rampage to end badly.

"We did expect a fight, we did expect either that or suicide. None of those things occurred. We never counted on Ashley Smith. We never took that into consideration. But, Ashley, with your calm demeanor and handling of the situation, with your cool headed reasoning, you were able to overcome a very serious situation," he said.

Later, Smith was greeted with standing ovations in both houses of Georgia's Legislature.

Rep. Pedro Marin, D-Duluth, told fellow lawmakers, "Her story of how her faith in God carried her through this experience is an inspiration to us all."

Smith responded, "I would just like to say thank you all very much. I'm very honored and God bless you all."