tool name

close
tool goes here

Second trial for sniper delayed

Published: 09/09/04 3:01 am | Updated: 05/20/08 1:49 pm
0 comments

FAIRFAX, Va. - A judge Wednesday postponed until next year the second capital murder trial of convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad, a former Tacoma resident.

The trial, which had been scheduled to start Oct. 4, is now set to begin Jan. 10.

Fairfax County Circuit Judge Jonathan Thacher said many pretrial issues remain unresolved.

Thacher also ordered a hearing to explore whether prosecutors violated Muhammad's right to a speedy trial by waiting roughly 18 months after his indictment to prosecute him.

Virginia law guarantees a trial within five months of arrest unless a defendant waives that right.

Muhammad was sentenced to death last year for the Oct. 9, 2002, slaying in Manassas of Dean Harold Meyers, one of 10 killings over a three-week span that terrorized the metropolitan Washington, D.C., region.

In Fairfax, he faces trial for the Oct. 14, 2002, shooting of FBI analyst Linda Franklin. Prosecutors say the second trial is needed in case the initial conviction or sentence is overturned on appeal.

Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Similar stories:

  • Judge dismisses DWI charges against ex-FAA chief

  • Prosecutors: Public endangered by Western psychologist's work

  • Bellarmine Prep student off to media conference

  • The latest news from the USOC - April 10

  • Lynch pleads not guilty to murdering family

JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here

We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.

The News Tribune had 54,660 visitors yesterday

South Sound Cars .com
VIEW ALL »

Presented By
Puyallup Nissan

2007 Nissan 350Z
Silver Alloy Metallic color, 21,989 miles
$23,995.00

South Sound Rentals .com
VIEW ALL »

Cierra Commons

The quiet, charming community located near schools, shopping, wor
The quiet, charming community located near schools, shopping, work & recreation!