Supreme Court Refuses to Appeal D.C. Sniper's Execution

Attempts to get the Supreme Court to block the execution of John Allen Muhammad, also known as the "D.C. Sniper," have failed.

Muhammad was convicted of capital murder and terrorism charges for killing 10 people and wounding three others over the course of three weeks in 2002.  He also left threatening written and verbal messages that demanded $10 million for the killings to stop. He is scheduled for execution Tuesday evening at a state prison in Virginia.

Muhammad has maintained his innocence throughout two trials, however, prosecutors say Muhammad's shooting rampage was fueled by grudges against the Army and a desire to kill his ex wife.  In fact, prosecutors believe the shooting spree was intended to cover up his real goal, which was to kill his wife and gain custody of their children.

Defense attorneys, who may or may not file an appeal due to lack of grounds, are claiming Muhammad is mentally ill and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder from his service in the Persian Gulf War.

As of now, the only thing that could save Muhammad from the death penalty is if Virginia Governor Tim Kaine were to grant a clemency petition, however, Kaine has already said he is not likely to grant such a petition.

Lee Boyd Malvo, who acted as an accomplice to Muhammad and was only 17 years old when the shootings took place, was sentenced to life in prison.  His attorneys argued that he was brainwashed by Muhammad.

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