John Muhammad or John Allen Muhammad went on shooting spree that resulted in the death of 10 people in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Their acts resulted in widespread terror and fear, as people preferred the security of their homes than to go out and be killed in the wake of the incidents. Police was not able to catch either John Muhammad or his accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo. Later on as they were busy shopping household items they were spotted by the people of the local community. He was caught in October 2002 and his trial started in 2003.
Lee Boyd Malvo received a life sentence for his actions during the incident whereas John Muhammad was sentenced to be executed on 10th November 2009. John Muhammad’s lawyer took the stand that his motive was to get the custody of his children from his separated wife. However judge over ruled the plea. John Muhammad had convinced Lee Boyd Malvo that he wanted to build a society of only black people.
John Muhammad’s trial was a complex one as the crimes were committed in three cities, he had to be shifted to other cities to appear before the court and face the charges.
His last minute clemency request to change the sentence into life imprisonment remains pending with Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, his appeal was rejected by Supreme Court. As per the rules John Muhammad was to choose the method of execution. As he has declined to choose himself, he would be executed by the lethal injection
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