Soon, simultaneous Va. sniper trials

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - As sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad stood trial in a courtroom 15 miles away, jury selection began Monday in the murder case against 18-year-old Lee Boyd Malvo, with his lawyers arguing he was brainwashed by the older Muhammad.

The start of Malvo's case sets the stage for sniper trials in separate courtrooms in different cities.

Malvo responded, "Not guilty," in a clear voice each time he was asked for a plea to two counts of capital murder and one count of using a firearm in a felony. He is accused in the slaying of FBI analyst Linda Franklin, who was cut down by a single bullet outside a Home Depot on Oct. 14, 2002.

In contrast to Muhammad's usual stony demeanor, Malvo smiled frequently and occasionally laughed as he conferred with his attorneys. His lawyers plan to pursue an insanity defense.

Malvo and Muhammad, 42, are being tried for different killings; Muhammad is accused of gunning down a man at a gas station.

Twelve jurors plus four alternates will be selected from a pool of 151 potential jurors for Malvo's trial, which is expected to last six weeks.

While Malvo and Muhammad are on trial in one killing each, to win a death sentence prosecutors must show that the men took part in multiple killings or terrorized the public.

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