Time is running out for the mastermind of the DC sniper killings of 2002. The decision by the US Supreme Court not to block the execution of John Allen Muhammad effectively clears the way for the sentence to be carried out, as scheduled, at 0200 GMT on Wednesday 10th, November.
The brief rejection of the application for a stay of execution and refusal to hear an appeal can be seen here, along with a statement by Justice John Paul Stevens expressing concern about "the perversity of executing inmates before their appeals process has been fully concluded."
For supporting details of the unsuccessful arguments made by Muhammad's legal team, take a look at the 'Announcements' page at the website of the law firm handling the case. The material includes audio of an interview with a juror from the original trial, as well as a semi-literate, hand-written letter from the 48-year old death row inmate himself.
Muhammad's fate now rests in the hands Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who has an appeal for clemency before him.
Malcolm Brown
Washington Correspondent
