Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

DC Sniper Demands End to Death-Row Appeals

'Murder this innocent black man,' he pleads

By Laurel Jorgensen,  Newser Staff

Posted May 7, 2008 3:10 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Convicted DC sniper John Allen Muhammad has called on prosecutors to help stop his attorneys from pursuing appeals to overturn his death sentence. Muhammad, convicted in the 2002 shooting spree that killed 10 strangers, said in a handwritten letter that any appeals “have been done against mine will,” the AP reports. In a recent appeal filing, attorneys argued brain damage likely rendered Muhammad incapable of making reasoned legal decisions.

"I've written to you all because I know you will make sure this letter will get to the right people—so that you can murder this innocent black man," he added.

Acting as his own attorney, John Allen Muhammad delivers his opening argument during his trial at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court in Virginia Beach, Va., in this 2003 file photo.
Acting as his own attorney, John Allen Muhammad delivers his opening argument during his trial at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court in Virginia Beach, Va., in this 2003 file photo.   (AP Photo)
Convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad stands as he is sentenced to death for the shooting of Dean Meyers at the Prince William County Circuit Court in Manassas, Va., in a 2004 file photo.
Convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad stands as he is sentenced to death for the shooting of Dean Meyers at the Prince William County Circuit Court in Manassas, Va., in a 2004 file photo.   (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad addresses judge James L. Ryan during a media preview before the start of his murder trial in Rockville, Md., in this April 28, 2006, file photo.
Convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad addresses judge James L. Ryan during a media preview before the start of his murder trial in Rockville, Md., in this April 28, 2006, file photo.   (AP Photo/Chris Gardner)
Cheryll Witz, whose father, John Taylor, shown in the framed photograph below, was killed by John Allen Muhammad, listens during a news conference in Tucson, Ariz., 2006 file photo.
Cheryll Witz, whose father, John Taylor, shown in the framed photograph below, was killed by John Allen Muhammad, listens during a news conference in Tucson, Ariz., 2006 file photo.   (AP Photo/John Miller)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Lawyers' appeal: Muhammad suffered child abuse and has brain damage
Washington Post

 
crime • appeal • death row • sniper • John Allen Muhammad • Lee Boyd Malvo

More Newser Stories

Death Row Inmate Boasts of 'Leisure' Life

Malvo Ties 2 Others to DC Serial Shootings

DC Sniper Apologizes to First Victim

Va. Gov Denies Clemency to DC Sniper

Supreme Court Won't Spare Beltway Sniper
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne