Sniper trials reach crucial stage

Muhammad: Accused of manipulating the younger Malvo

The trial of John Allen Muhammad, the elder Washington sniper suspect, has been hearing closing arguments.

Mr Muhammad faces four charges, including murder, and could receive the death penalty if convicted.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have opened their case against his alleged accomplice, Lee Boyd Malvo, calling him "a smart, clever killer".

The defence team said Mr Malvo, 17 at the time of the killings, was "a manipulated child soldier".

'Killing captain'

Wrapping up, prosecutor Richard Conway told jurors at Mr Muhammad's trial in Virginia Beach: "We have a sniper-spotter killing team taking out innocent people.

Evidence is circumstantial, the defence argues

"Who was the captain of that killing team? He's sitting right in front of you," Mr Conway said, pointing at the defendant.

Mr Muhammad faces four charges relating to the death of Dean Myers, who was shot dead as he filled his car at a petrol station in Manassas, Virginia, on 9 October 2002.

Mr Muhammad's defence team have highlighted the circumstantial nature of the prosecution's case.

Defence lawyer Peter Greenspun stressed that conviction requires finding a defendant guilty beyond all reasonable doubt.

"The presumption of innocence remains with Mr Muhammad as we speak here," he said.

In addition to two murder charges, Mr Muhammad faces one count of multiple murder and one of terrorising the public. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts.

'Father figure'

In another Virginia courtroom, in Chesaspeake 30 kilometres (20 miles) away, the jury has been hearing opening statements at Mr Malvo's trial.

Malvo is being tried as an adult

Prosecutors told jurors about taped police interviews in which Mr Malvo had described the killings.

He speaks so casually, prosecutor Robert Horan said "it's hard to remember he's talking about killing innocent people."

Mr Malvo was, he said," a smart, clever killer".

By contrast, the defence described Mr Malvo as an obedient, lonely child, desperate for a father figure and in thrall to Mr Muhammad.

"He (Muhammad) changed him, he indoctrinated him, He made him a child soldier," defence lawyer Craig Cooley said.

Mr Malvo is on trial over the death of FBI analyst Linda Franklin, who was shot dead on 14 October 2002 in Falls Church, Virginia.

His lawyer told the judge that he would argue his client was not guilty by reason of insanity.

Ten people died and three people seriously injured in the 2002 sniper shootings, which terrorised the Washington region.