ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) - Lee Boyd Malvo was once so close to convicted Washington-area sniper John Allen Muhammad that he called him ``Dad.'' But more than three years after they were arrested for the shootings, any devotion appears to be gone. Malvo is negotiating a plea bargain in which he would testify for the prosecution at Muhammad's trial for six Maryland sniper shootings in 2002, a source familiar with the case said Tuesday. | After which he goes into a hole for the rest of his life. |
Malvo is prepared to testify about the shootings and his relationship with Muhammad, said the source, who requested anonymity because the deal was not complete. Under the terms being considered, the source said Malvo would plead guilty in connection with the shootings and would be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Malvo's attorneys did not return calls, and Montgomery County prosecutors would not comment.| For a look into the mind of young Lee Malvo in October 2002, go here. |
Muhammad, who is defending himself, was told of the development Tuesday morning by his standby attorney before the second day of jury selection began. J. Wyndal Gordon said Muhammad was not surprised, since Malvo is on both Muhammad's witness list and the prosecution's list. Muhammad is prepared to cross-examine Malvo if he is called to testify, Gordon said. ``Mr. Muhammad harbors no ill feelings for Mr. Malvo.'' Separately, Muhammad indicated to the judge that he probably will testify in his own defense.| Oh please, oh please, oh please, oh please ... |
As jury selection continued, Muhammad asked Circuit Judge James Ryan to question prospective jurors more closely about their opinions about the case, which he said aren't likely to change during the trial. Almost all of the more than 90 individuals questioned by the judge through midday Tuesday said they already had formed an opinion. Those who said they could still render a fair and impartial verdict were chosen for a pool from which the 12 jurors and four alternates are to be selected Thursday. ``In my experience, I've learned a lot about human beings, and human beings just don't flip-flop like that on a moment's notice,'' Muhammad said.
| We've learned from human experience about you, bubbo. |
Ryan agreed to probe more deeply and excused several people who said their minds were made up. |