Joint Statement of Governors Warner and Ehrlich on an Agreement to Transfer Muhammed, Malvo to Maryland for Trial

Joint Statement of Governors Warner and Ehrlich on an Agreement to Transfer Muhammed, Malvo to Maryland for Trial

Governor Mark R. Warner of Virginia and Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., of Maryland jointly announced today that John Allen Muhammed and Lee Boyd Malvo will be transferred to Montgomery County, Maryland, for prosecution on charges arising out of the deaths of six people in Montgomery County between October 2-22, 2002.

The transfers of Muhammed and Malvo occur under the provisions of the Interstate Agreement on Detainers, to which both states are signatories, and comply with detainers filed by Montgomery County State's Attorney Douglas Gansler.

Governors Warner and Ehrlich have agreed that the defendants will be returned to Virginia to serve their sentences following completion of their trials in Maryland.
Muhammed and Malvo also potentially face charges in Alabama and Louisiana.

"Now that Virginia's prosecution of these two individuals has concluded, it is important that families of the victims of the sniper incidents in other jurisdictions have an opportunity to seek justice," Governor Warner said. "Residents of Montgomery County, Maryland experienced significant loss of life as these sniper attacks terrorized our region, and I appreciate Governor Ehrlich's willingness to work with us on this transfer agreement."

"The Commonwealth of Virginia has completed its prosecution against John Allen Muhammad and Lee Malvo," said Governor Ehrlich. "Montgomery County now has the opportunity to proceed with prosecutions under the Interstate Agreement on Detainers. I thank Governor Warner for recognizing the deep personal interest the families of Maryland victims have in seeking justice and closure for the horrific sniper attacks of 2002."

Muhammed was tried and convicted in Virginia Beach on November 17, 2003 on two counts of capital murder in the shooting death of Dean Harold Meyers in Manassas, Virginia, on October 9, 2002. Muhammed subsequently received the death penalty and currently is incarcerated at the Virginia Department of Corrections' Sussex II facility.

Malvo was tried and convicted in Chesapeake, Virginia, on December 18, 2003, of capital murder, terrorism and weapons charges in the shooting death of Linda Franklin in Falls Church, Virginia, on October 14, 2002. He received a sentence of life in prison. Malvo currently is housed at the Red Onion correctional facility in Southwest Virginia.

Transfer arrangements will be handled between the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Montgomery County, Maryland, Sheriff's Department.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/May05/0510.htm