DC Sniper Gets Final Verdict

Considering this saga evolved in my own backyard, I am compelled to say a few words about this story. As is our usual custom here, no names.

Let us hope the final chapter of the DC Area sniper attack story was written today. Already sentenced to death in Virginia for one conviction, J.A.M. was sentenced to 6 consecutive life-terms in Maryland prisons for the shooting deaths of 6 others. Let’s examine what that means. If by some miracle, Mr. M followed the example of a famous figure about 2,000 years ago, he would still have to rise and additional 7 times before he’d be a free man. I’d say that should stamp-out any hope Mr. M.

For those who may not be familiar with the story, here’s a primer:

September 21, 2002: Two people wounded outside a liquor store in Montgomery, Alabama. One fatally.

October 2, 2002 5:20 p.m.: Fired shots at the windows of an arts & craft store in the Aspen Hill area of Montgomery County, Md. No injuries.

October 2, 2002 6:04 p.m.: Fifty-five year old J.D.M, of Silver Spring, Md., was killed in grocery store parking lot in nearby Wheaton, Montgomery County.

October 3, 2002 7:41 a.m.: Thirty-nine year old J.L.B., of Arlington, Va., was killed while mowing grass at an auto dealership in the White Flint area of Montgomery County.

October 3, 2002 8:12 a.m.: Fifty-four year old taxi driver P.K.W., of Olney, Md., was killed while pumping gas at a station in Rockville, Montgomery County.

October 3, 2002 8:37 a.m.: Thirty-four year old S.R., of Silver Spring, was shot and killed outside of a Silver Spring post office. (Montgomery County)

October 3, 2002 9:58 a.m.: Twenty-five year old L.A.L-R., of Silver Spring, was shot and killed as she vacuumed her van at a gas station in Kensington, Montgomery County.

October 3, 2002 9:15 p.m.: Seventy-two year old P.C., of Washington, D.C., was killed while standing on a street in Washington.

October 4, 2002 2:30 p.m.: Fourty-three year-old woman wounded in the parking lot of an arts & crafts store in Fredericksburg, Va. (Spotsylvania County).

October 7, 2002 8:09 a.m.: Thirteen year-old boy wounded as he was dropped off at school by his aunt in Bowie, Md. (Prince George's County).

October 9, 2002 8:15 p.m.: Fifty-three year old D.H.M., of Gaithersburg, Md., was killed while at gas station in Manassas, Va. (Prince William County).

October 11, 2002 9:30 a.m.: Fifty-three year old K.H.B., of Philadelphia, was killed while pumping gas at a station in Fredericksburg.

October 14, 2002 9:15 p.m.: Fourty-seven year old L.F., of Arlington, Va., was shot and killed at home improvement store parking lot in Falls Church, Virginia. (Fairfax County).

October 20, 2002: A man was wounded at the restaurant parking lot in Ashland, Virginia. (Fairfax County).

For all those directly, and indirectly affected by these proceedings, I hope the sentence provides you some closure, and you are able to resume your lives. We wish you all peace.