Jamaican-born alleged sniper Malvo may plead insanity

Friday, October 10, 2003

FAIRFAX, Virginia: Lee Boyd Malvo, the Jamaican-born sniper suspect in the Washington, D.C. attacks last year, has been urged by his lawyers to use the insanity defense when he goes to trial next month, CNN television is reporting.

Attorney, Mr. Craig Cooley told CNN that said that Mr. Malvo, 18, was "indoctrinated" by the Mr. John Allen Muhammad, 42, the apparent mastermind in the sniper killings. 

"Indoctrination is a form of mental illness," Mr. Cooley said. "Indoctrination will certainly be the underlying basis of the plea. This case is so bizarre in its facts, the degree of indoctrination is so significant in this case, that we would be remiss in our responsibilities if we failed to put that issue forward for a jury to make a determination." 

Both Messrs. Malvo and Muhammad are suspected in the sniper killings of 10 people and the wounding of three others in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., last fall. 

They are also suspected or charged in shootings in Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Arizona and Washington state. 

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