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American Morning
Sniper Trials; Tale of Two Trials
Aired November 11, 2003 - 07:08 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: The prosecution has rested its case in the trial of sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad -- this, while only 15 miles away jury selection began yesterday in the trial of his alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Lee Boyd Malvo.
Jeanne Meserve updates us this morning on both cases.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): "Not guilty," Lee Malvo's plea to each of the charges against him. Apparently doodling in a crewneck sweater, Malvo looked young, and youth is part of his defense.
His lawyers say he was brainwashed by the older John Muhammad and have subpoenaed Muhammad and his ex-wife, Mildred.
CRAIG COOLEY, MALVO DEFENSE ATTORNEY: I think Ms. Muhammad will be able to describe the manipulative nature of Mr. Muhammad. I think she'll be able to describe the things that -- his persuasiveness and his disciplined approach to things.
MESERVE: After one day, the process of picking a jury is well under way. Already, seven have been select for a pool of 28.
As Malvo's trial began, Muhammad's reached a milestone: the conclusion of the prosecution case. October 3, 2002, the morning of the first sniper shootings, was described as surreal by veteran homicide detective, Roger Thompson. Prosecutor Paul Ebert asked Thompson about the day of Muhammad and Malvo's arrest. From that day to this, has there ever been another sniper shooting? Thompson's response? No, nothing like this, no.
(on camera): The defense moved that the case against Muhammad be dismissed, saying the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence that Muhammad pulled the trigger, influenced Malvo or committed acts of terrorism. The judge is expected to rule Wednesday morning.
Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
Aired November 11, 2003 - 07:08 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: The prosecution has rested its case in the trial of sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad -- this, while only 15 miles away jury selection began yesterday in the trial of his alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Lee Boyd Malvo.
Jeanne Meserve updates us this morning on both cases.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): "Not guilty," Lee Malvo's plea to each of the charges against him. Apparently doodling in a crewneck sweater, Malvo looked young, and youth is part of his defense.
His lawyers say he was brainwashed by the older John Muhammad and have subpoenaed Muhammad and his ex-wife, Mildred.
CRAIG COOLEY, MALVO DEFENSE ATTORNEY: I think Ms. Muhammad will be able to describe the manipulative nature of Mr. Muhammad. I think she'll be able to describe the things that -- his persuasiveness and his disciplined approach to things.
MESERVE: After one day, the process of picking a jury is well under way. Already, seven have been select for a pool of 28.
As Malvo's trial began, Muhammad's reached a milestone: the conclusion of the prosecution case. October 3, 2002, the morning of the first sniper shootings, was described as surreal by veteran homicide detective, Roger Thompson. Prosecutor Paul Ebert asked Thompson about the day of Muhammad and Malvo's arrest. From that day to this, has there ever been another sniper shooting? Thompson's response? No, nothing like this, no.
(on camera): The defense moved that the case against Muhammad be dismissed, saying the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence that Muhammad pulled the trigger, influenced Malvo or committed acts of terrorism. The judge is expected to rule Wednesday morning.
Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
