Date set for Washington sniper trial

Many sniper murders could feature in Muhammad's trial

A US judge in Virginia has ruled that the trial against sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad will begin on 14 October, starting the process which could lead to his execution if found guilty.

Despite being only 17, Malvo could face execution

Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Leroy Millette also barred television cameras from the courtroom, saying this could compromise Mr Muhammad's right to a fair trial.

Mr Muhammad, 41, faces murder and terrorism charges in connection with the three-week shooting spree around the US capital this autumn which left 10 people dead and three wounded.

Mr Muhammad and his alleged accomplice - 17-year-old John Lee Malvo - were arrested in October as police hunted for the gunmen who had terrorised Washington and its suburbs. Mr Malvo is also charged with capital murder.

Mr Muhammad's trial is expected to last about eight weeks.

Death penalty

In November, US Attorney General John Ashcroft released the pair from federal custody after deciding they should first face trial in Virginia - where both may face the death penalty - rather than Maryland which saw more deaths but does not execute juveniles.

In Virginia, the two suspects are facing separate trials.

Mr Muhammad is charged with the killing on 9 October of Dean Meyers, 53, who was shot at a petrol station.

Paul Ebert, prosecutor in Prince William County, said other crimes were likely to be included in the case against Mr Muhammad.

Mr Malvo is being charged in Fairfax County for the murder of FBI analyst Linda Franklin outside a home improvement store on 14 October.

Mr Malvo's court-appointed guardian is preparing for a preliminary hearing in January at which a judge is expected to rule whether Mr Malvo will be tried as an adult and face the death penalty.

But prosecutors have said they may rely on evidence from any or all of the attacks around Washington DC, and crimes across the country which have now been linked to the men.