The judge must impose life without parole when Malvo, 18, is formally sentenced March 10 for his part in the three-week reign of terror that left 10 people dead in and around the U.S. capital in October 2002.

In November, Muhammad, 42, was found guilty of murdering FBI analyst Linda Franklin and the jury recommended the death penalty. The judge in that case could overrule the jury when he formally sentences Muhammad.

Malvo was convicted of two counts of capital murder: one alleging Franklin's slaying was part of a series of murders, the other alleging the killing was intended to terrorize the population. The second law was passed after Sept. 11. Both counts could have brought the death penalty.

Both men could be tried in other shootings in Virginia and elsewhere around the country, and could get the death penalty.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 3, 2004
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