Washington sniper verdict reached

Muhammad: Denies the charges

Jurors in the trial of Washington sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad have reached a verdict.

The decision is due to be announced imminently.

Mr Muhammad, 42, faced four charges, including murder, and could receive the death penalty if convicted.

Meanwhile, another jury in nearby Chesapeake has begun hearing testimony in the trial of his alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Lee Boyd Malvo.

Different tactics

The defence tactics in each case have

e markedly different.

Malvo: Insanity plea

Mr Muhammad, when he briefly acted as his own lawyer, said in his opening statement that the evidence would show he did not commit the crimes.

Mr Malvo's lawyers told jurors they would not suggest authorities had the wrong man, but they contend that their client is innocent by reason of insanity.

They say he was brainwashed by Mr Muhammad, an army veteran he looked up to as a father figure.

Extortion claim

The pair are accused of carrying out the shootings in October, 2002, that left 10 people dead and three wounded.

Prosecutors say the spree was an attempt to extort $10m from the US Government.

Gulf War veteran Mr Muhammad faces four charges relating to the death of Dean Meyers, shot dead at a petrol station in Manassas, Virginia, on 9 October, 2002.

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.