Lawyers back on sniper defence

The lawyers are in control once more

After just one day of cross-examining witnesses, Washington sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad has revoked his decision to defend himself at his trial for murder.

Defence lawyers Jonathan Shapiro and Peter Greenspun, who had been advising Mr Muhammad on a stand-by basis since the trial began on Monday have now taken over the case.

Judge LeRoy Millette informed the jury of the change after 30 minutes of consultations at his bench.

Mr Muhammad had surprised observers at the start of the trial by exerting his right to represent himself despite the fact that he has no legal expertise and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecution complaints

The prosecution complained about the nature of Mr Muhammad's defence on Tuesday, saying that he was receiving too much help from his stand-by lawyers.

In response Judge Millette ordered Mr Muhammad to physically distance himself from the team and reduce the amount he communicated with them.

The murder trial taking pace in Virginia is in connection with the death of 53-year-old Dean Meyers at a petrol station in Manassas, Virginia.

Malvo was 17 when he was arrested Trial reopens wounds

Mr Meyers was the seventh of 10 people killed in the sniper attacks in October 2002, which terrorised the area in and around the US capital.

Mr Muhammad has pleaded not guilty to the four charges he faces over Meyers' death - which include two counts of capital murder, one charge of conspiracy and a weapons charge.

His alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Lee Malvo, is to be tried next month on separate murder charges.

Mr Muhammad's lawyers have argued Mr Malvo did the actual shooting.

But Mr Malvo's lawyers contend that their young client was brainwashed by Mr Muhammad and say they will plead insanity.