US Supreme Court refuses to stop sniper execution
(11/9/2009)
•
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block Tuesday's scheduled execution of sniper mastermind John Allen Muhammad.
Area relives sniper terror
(11/9/2009)
• With pending execution, echoes of those three weeks on edge reverberate throughout the region.
Original stories from 2002
Families of sniper victims unite, share stories (11/4/2002)
• Family members of sniper victims meet for the first time to share their thoughts and comfort one another.
Thanks, law enforcement, for your work during sniper crisis (11/4/2002)
• Thanks, law enforcement, for your work during sniper crisis
Johnson's sniper theories were ludicrous (11/4/2002)
• Johnson's sniper theories were ludicrous
Is governor's legacy on the line? (11/3/2002)
• Gov. Warner may not be up for election on Tuesday, but referendums he supports are.
Coverage of the sniper shootings may be inevitable (11/3/2002)
• Wall-to-wall coverage of the sniper shootings may be inevitable, but that doesn't mean it was all done well. Cable news networks were the worst, because they often filled hours with the rehash of nothing new.
Sniper suspect evaded guns laws now on books (11/3/2002)
• Sniper suspect evaded guns laws now on books
Fair trial possible for pair? (11/2/2002)
• The October sniper rampage terrified an entire region. Will it be hard to find a jury and try the two suspects?
Rifle linked to more killings (11/1/2002)
• Spotsylvania authorities urge residents to search memories for possible sightings of sniper suspects and their 1990 Chevy Caprice.
Band director loves his work--and it shows (10/31/2002)
• Brooke Point High School band director is state's teacher of the year.
Feds' entry angers officials (10/31/2002)
• Northern Virginia prosecutors want chance to glean more information from sniper suspects.
Trick-or-treat? Some are wary (10/31/2002)
• After the sniper shootings, a few Fredericksburg-area families are curtailing Halloween festivities.
Count Ghoulstein calling (10/31/2002)
• Blake Clark delivers pizza and scare this Halloween
Ashcroft intervenes in case (10/30/2002)
• Sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad appears in court as first federal evidence emerges.
Red Cross pleads for blood donors (10/30/2002)
• Red Cross says blood is in short supply in the Mid-Atlantic. Donor drives are being held this week.
Experts' analysis proves mixed (10/30/2002)
• Expert analysis in the sniper coverage in The Free Lance-Star was mixture of insight and misinformation.
Sniper case proves the need for gun control (10/30/2002)
• Sniper case proves the need for gun control
Community, police stood proud during sniper rampage (10/30/2002)
• Community, police stood proud during sniper rampage
With so many weapons, would stronger gun-control laws help? (10/30/2002)
• Reflections on damage done by one rifle, geographic misconceptions and a late U.S. senator.
Sniper's rage wholly unrelated to suburban life (10/30/2002)
• Sniper's rage wholly unrelated to suburban life
Police earned respect, a good night's sleep (10/30/2002)
• Police earned respect, a good night's sleep
Freedom has roots in county (10/30/2002)
• The pursuit of liberty--in all its many forms--is intertwined with Stafford County's past and present.
Feds file charges in sniper case (10/29/2002)
• Justice Department following two states in bringing charges
Muhammad charged here (10/29/2002)
• Spotsylvania formally charges sniper suspect; sources say deputy saw Muhammad at Massaponax crime scene.
Residents get back to normal (10/28/2002)
• Thousands of area residents finally feel safe leaving their homes, now that sniper suspects are in police custody.
For police, treats for a job well done Spotsylvania group says thanks to deputies for their work on the sniper case--and every day. (10/27/2002)
• Spotsylvania group says thanks to deputies for their work on the sniper case--and every day.
Profiling 'experts' way off target in portraits of sniper suspects (10/27/2002)
• Profiling experts draw a faulty portrait of sniper suspects.
Attacks spook Halloween sales (10/27/2002)
• Stores are hoping to scare up customers now that authorities have arrested two suspects in the sniper case. Earlier, fearful customers stayed home amid the spree.
Sensible gun laws belong in our sights (10/27/2002)
• The sniper spree points to the need to re-examine gun laws and to condemn the demented aspects of our gun culture.
Counting blessings (10/26/2002)
• Local man says he had unsettling encounter with sniper suspects hours before Spotsylvania woman was shot at mall here.
Authorities getting hero treatment (10/26/2002)
• Grateful area residents treat police like heroes now that arrests have been made in the sniper attacks.
Children come out to play (10/26/2002)
• Children are all smiles in the Fredericksburg area as recess and other activities finally get the green light.
Maryland files first charges (10/26/2002)
• Montgomery County, Md., files first charges against sniper suspects, will seek death penalty against Muhammad.
Getting back to business, finally (10/26/2002)
• Business owners hope to recoup sales lost during a local sniper spree as shoppers return.
W&OD Trail: Saddle up and go (10/26/2002)
• Biking the rail-trail of the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park is a fun adventure.
Who will get sniper reward? (10/25/2002)
• $500,000 total may have to be divided
Baseball hopes take side trip? (10/25/2002)
• Report says Boston could become a temporary home for Montreal Expos before decision is made about locating them in the Washington area.
Area residents 'delighted' over arrests in case (10/25/2002)
• News of arrests in sniper case puts people in Fredericksburg more at ease.
States vow to pursue execution (10/25/2002)
• Prosecutors planning to seek death penalty in sniper case.
Stafford FBI teams played key roles in case (10/25/2002)
• Stafford-based FBI specialists play key role in hunt for sniper.
Breaking big case often depends on timely tips (10/25/2002)
• Despite difficult balancing act, police count on public and media to help solve crimes.
New reality sets in after sniper arrests (10/25/2002)
• Yesterday's arrests of two in the string of sniper attacks bring relief, resignation to the region.
'How nice it would be' (10/25/2002)
• Fredericksburg-area students, parents hope life can return to normal following yesterday's arrests in the sniper case.
Authorities investigate possible link to Ala. shooting (10/24/2002)
• Investigators probe possible sniper link to unsolved Alabama liquor store shooting
Snipers aren't athletes (10/24/2002)
• STEVE DeSHAZO: Sniper brings sports terms into perspective.
Hunt on in sniper case (10/24/2002)
• Sniper hasn't stopped killing, but has plenty to say to police these days via telephone and letter.
Farmers reap puny profits due to drought, sniper fears Drought affects some pumpkin patches, while sniper attacks affect others. (10/24/2002)
• Drought affects some pumpkin patches, while sniper attacks affect others.
Michigan man charged with making false sniper reports (10/23/2002)
• 'Just kidding,' suspect says
Messages to sniper (10/23/2002)
• Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose has attempted to communicate with the person who left a message and a phone number at the scene of a shooting at the Ponderosa restaurant in Ashland.
Trick-or-treat off, schools cancel games and activities (10/23/2002)
• Local officials take new steps to protect children.
Dialogue stirs fears, emotions Messages from sniper adding to already horrible situation. (10/23/2002)
• Messages from sniper adding to already horrible situation.
'Your children are not safe anywhere' (10/23/2002)
• Authorities investigate Maryland slaying for sniper link; continue to seek dialogue with killer.
After killing ends, let's audit the media 'experts' (10/23/2002)
• After killing ends, let's audit the media 'experts'
Fight the shooter, other terror with collective prayer (10/23/2002)
• Fight the shooter, other terror with collective prayer
Unholster video cameras to deter mysterious killer (10/23/2002)
• Unholster video cameras to deter mysterious killer
A sniper, no; a murderer, yes (10/23/2002)
• A sniper, no; a murderer, yes
Keeping a positive outlook (10/23/2002)
• Stafford County has a lot to offer its residents. And that's worth remembering--especially in troubled times.
Local schools remain open (10/22/2002)
• Fredericksburg-area schools are still open for business despite school closings in Richmond and neighboring counties.
Foliage frees folks from fear (10/22/2002)
• Trip to check fall foliage finds many are using a new reason for hitting Skyline Drive--stress relief from sniper fire.
Paper right to show us even unpleasant news (10/22/2002)
• Paper right to show us even unpleasant news
No photo could add to family's terrible pain (10/22/2002)
• No photo could add to family's terrible pain
(10/22/2002)
• Sensitivities to recent shootings cited
Police identify shooting victim (10/22/2002)
• Authorities today identified the victim of a shooting this morning as a Montgomery County bus driver and father of two. Tests are underway to determine if fatal shooting is linked to recent sniper attacks.
(10/22/2002)
• Police investigating possible link to sniper
Police: Witness lied (10/22/2002)
• Police dismiss eyewitness account at Fairfax slaying, say they are going 'back to basics' in probe.
Thousands of job seekers flood fair (10/22/2002)
• More than 2,500 show up at Job Fair.
Two people in custody in connection to shootings (10/21/2002)
• Van stopped, confiscated near Richmond
Police: Witness lied (10/21/2002)
• Police dismiss eyewitness account at Fairfax slaying, say they are going 'back to basics' in probe.
Word from sniper? (10/21/2002)
• Police appeal to person to contact them after finding his communique at Ashland shooting scene.
Suspect flees after wild chase (10/20/2002)
• ...
No silver bullet to end terrorism, but Golden Rule might work (10/20/2002)
• Learning to live with terrorism may result in a lot of locked doors.
Sniper doesn't own these places, we do (10/20/2002)
• Sniper doesn't own these places, we do
Let's hope the sniper slips up pretty soon (10/20/2002)
• Let's hope the sniper slips up pretty soon
White van might just be a diversion (10/20/2002)
• White van might just be a diversion
A vigilant public will bring the shooter to justice (10/20/2002)
• A vigilant public will bring the shooter to justice
Moose doing a good job with tough sniper case (10/20/2002)
• Moose doing a good job with tough sniper case
A lead on sniper? (10/19/2002)
• Man who claimed to have seen sniper shoot latest victim charged with lying to police.
Two places called Mason Neck (10/19/2002)
• Mason Neck: Wild places in urban setting
Shooter is no sniper, just a common killer (10/19/2002)
• Shooter is no sniper, just a common killer
We all have questions about sniper (10/19/2002)
• We all have questions about sniper
Fairfax police charge 'witness' (10/18/2002)
• Man charged with making false statement
Police: Witness lied (10/18/2002)
• Police dismiss eyewitness account at Fairfax slaying, say they are going 'back to basics' in probe.
Police: Witness lied (10/18/2002)
• Police dismiss eyewitness account at Fairfax slaying, say they are going 'back to basics' in probe.
Theater offers free tickets to area police (10/18/2002)
• Spotsylvania theater group offers free tickets to law enforcement community.
Christians pray for an end to fear (10/18/2002)
• Interdenominational service provides spiritual comfort for community shocked by sniper attacks.
Odds of sniper attack small, but murky (10/18/2002)
• People nervously calculate their personal danger these days as they go about the stuff of life. A MWC expert weighs in.
Any man in a van is feared (10/18/2002)
• Everyone gets nervous when white vans are around.
Police discredit information (10/17/2002)
• Police say information about van, shooter isn't reliable.
Police artist advises would-be witnesses (10/17/2002)
• Police sketch artist says that even though witnesses haven't remembered enough for a drawing yet, they may be the sniper's downfall yet.
Coaches have no answers (10/17/2002)
• STEVE DeSHAZO: 'No easy answers' for area administrators
Schools dash dances, shuffle sports events (10/17/2002)
• Homecoming games and dances are being rescheduled or shifted to new locations.
Rural localities ready if sniper alters pattern (10/17/2002)
• Localities outside the sniper's attack zone prepare in case he strikes there.
This, too, shall pass (10/17/2002)
• This is no time to get down on the Fredericksburg area.
Shootings take toll on business (10/17/2002)
• Area tourism, retail sales have fallen since sniper attacks began. But shoppers packed yesterday's Wal-Mart Supercenter opening.
Canceling SAT over sniper attack the wrong call (10/17/2002)
• Canceling SAT over sniper attack the wrong call
Of course it's different when sniper shoots a child (10/17/2002)
• Of course it's different when sniper shoots a child
Descriptions of sniper, but no sketch (10/16/2002)
• Monday's shooting in Fairfax County produces the first eyewitness descriptions of a shooter since the sniper attacks began, but police say the information is not strong enough to develop a composite sketch.
Pentagon joins hunt for sniper (10/16/2002)
• In a highly unusual move, Army planes with high-tech surveillance equipment to begin trying to track sniper.
Witnesses give police fresh tips (10/16/2002)
• Sniper's toll grows to nine dead, two wounded as investigators try to tighten their net.
Shooting generates new fears (10/16/2002)
• People return to Seven Corners shopping center where shooting occurred to offer tips about sniper.
Shootings leaving area schedules in shambles (10/16/2002)
• Recent rash of sniper attacks forcing local athletics directors to scramble to find alternatives to planned schedules.
Faithful gather in prayer (10/16/2002)
• Fredericksburg-area pastors and faithful call for national prayer in wake of sniper shootings.
Paper should have more respect for sniper victims (10/16/2002)
• Paper should have more respect for sniper victims
Yesterday's front page not suitable for kids (10/16/2002)
• Yesterday's front page not suitable for kids
Coverage might be helping the sniper (10/16/2002)
• Coverage might be helping the sniper
Front-page photo showed poor taste and judgment (10/16/2002)
• Front-page photo showed poor taste and judgment
READERS' TAKE (10/16/2002)
• What's your take on school lunches in Stafford County?
READERS' TAKE (10/16/2002)
• What's your take on school lunches in Fredericksburg or Spotsylvania County?
Geraldo signs backsides yards from sniper site (10/15/2002)
• Rivera defends behavior at Hooters near Fredericksburg sniper scene
Sniper victim 11? (10/15/2002)
• Police investigate latest slaying as eleventh sniper shooting.
In a factual vacuum, no shortage of theories (10/15/2002)
• There are lots of theories coming in from lots of different places about the motives of the serial sniper.
Expert: Killer drawn to area (10/15/2002)
• The serial sniper may live or work in the Fredericksburg area, according to one geographical profiler.
Schools try to get back to normal (10/15/2002)
• Fredericksburg-area schools begin to resume normal schedules after sniper attacks.
Shootings prompt area churches to call for prayer (10/15/2002)
• Area churches call for nationwide prayer in wake of recent sniper shootings.
Area hit by helpless feelings, again (10/15/2002)
• Feelings of fear and helplessness in sniper's wake are disturbingly familiar.
'Lockdown' wasn't quick enough to catch sniper (10/15/2002)
• 'Lockdown' wasn't quick enough to catch sniper
Media's stupid questions wasting time of police (10/15/2002)
• Media's stupid questions wasting time of police
(10/15/2002)
• Police investigate fatal shooting of woman at Home Depot in Fairfax County as the latest in string of sniper shootings.
(10/15/2002)
• A woman has died after being shot at a Home Depot store in Fairfax County.
Latest sniper victim worked for FBI (10/15/2002)
• Composites of vans released by authorities
Sniper may revel in attention (10/15/2002)
• Elusive killer may use murder to boost self-image, experts say.
Spotsylvania schools enrollment on mark (10/15/2002)
• Spotsylvania school officials' enrollment projections are on the money.
Police swarm Denny's after shots fired (10/15/2002)
• Flying shots have police swarming to the Route 3 Denny's.
Tips pour in as sniper takes weekend off (10/14/2002)
• Investigators deluged with tips during lull in shootings
New week, new fears (10/14/2002)
• Investigators scrambling to take killer off streets.
Manager is charged with hoax (10/14/2002)
• Fast-food restaurant manager charged with making false 911 call so he could have the day off.
Ministers urge calm and prayer (10/14/2002)
• As sniper shootings rattle parishioners' nerves, area clergy urge worshipers to seek solace in God during time of crisis.
Strutting their stuff (10/14/2002)
• Mounted police from as far away as Toronto and Kentucky came to Fredericksburg this weekend for the Police Equestrian Competition.
Filling up remains a fearful experience (10/13/2002)
• Business at gas stations along interstate affected by sniper.
Police hope poster brings tips (10/13/2002)
• Authorities release graphic of truck in sniper case; Spotsylvania donation pushes reward to $500,000.
Warner backs state aid for probe (10/13/2002)
• Despite a sniper on the loose, Gov. Mark Warner visited King George for the Fall Festival parade yesterday.
Shootings rekindle area fears (10/13/2002)
• Solving the Lisk-Silva slayings this summer gave local residents a sense of relief. But a deadly sniper has residents worried again--and some say this time it's even worse.
Trying to unravel the mystery of the sniper (10/13/2002)
• Trying to make sense of senseless killings. Could it be about Iraq?
Deputies comfort our area's parents (10/13/2002)
• Deputies comfort our area's parents
Shooting an innocent child does cross the line (10/13/2002)
• Shooting an innocent child does cross the line
Just a little too close for comfort (10/13/2002)
• Are we vulnerable? You bet we are, just like everybody else.
Drivers of white vans come under scrutiny (10/12/2002)
• For the drivers of white vans, it was one nightmare of a day.
Communities fear they could be sniper's next target (10/12/2002)
• Localities beef up patrols, boost overtime, cancel leaves and install extra phone lines in case sniper decides to strike in their county.
'Striking terror in people's hearts' (10/12/2002)
• Ballistic evidence conclusively links the Spotsylvania slaying yesterday with other sniper shootings in the area, Maj. Howard Smith announced this morning at a press conference. The victim was shot one time in the left upper back.
Witnesses hear fatal 'boom' (10/12/2002)
• Witnesses hear loud gunshot near the Four-Mile Fork Exxon where a man was killed yesterday.
Authorities planned, 'thought we had him' (10/12/2002)
• No time was wasted yesterday when the sniper stalking the region struck again. Officers had a strategy, but the gunman still escaped.
Google starts offering site for the news Google's new news service is entirely computer-edited. (10/12/2002)
• Google's new news service is entirely computer-edited.
School officials rush to protect children (10/12/2002)
• Fredericksburg-area schools took action following yesterday's shooting in the Massaponax area.
Cell calls reassure as jitters hit home (10/12/2002)
• In times of chaos like the latest sniper shooting, a cell phone is one of the few things that provides comfort.
Local schools dismiss after harrowing day (10/11/2002)
• The school day, and week, is ending. Security was on everyone's mind today after a man was shot and killed at a Massaponax gas station.
Man slain pumping gas in Spotsylvania (10/11/2002)
• Man is shot and killed at Exxon on U.S. 1.
(10/11/2002)
• Police are hoping for a break that leads to whoever is responsible for the rash of sniper shootings.
Manassas case linked (10/11/2002)
• Wednesday night's fatal sniper attack linked to other cases.
Sniper spree forces re-evaluation of routines (10/11/2002)
• Some skittish while pumping gas in wake of sniper attacks.
Schools change, cancel activities (10/11/2002)
• Fredericksburg-area school officials cancel activities, reschedule sports events.
Children need you during terrifying times (10/11/2002)
• Sniper shootings bring up new challenges for parents.
• Snow Closings
