Sniper trials

[Guest Hogan Made Wrestling]

I haven't been following this case much since the arrests were made, so I'm wondering about a few things:

 

1. What exactly are they charged with?

 

2. Will this be a state or federal trial, or are there charges at both levels?

 

Also, is there any possibility this will be the new O.J. trial, played for the cameras with all the circus atmosphere of the original?

[Guest LooseCannon]

I don't know if they've been charged with any federal crimes, but I don't think it'll be like the OJ trial. That trial was unique because of the celebrity involved and probably the racial issues. I imagine this will be more like Timothy McVeigh's or Ted Kazinski's, or even one of the Kennedy family's trials. High profile trials, but without the crazy circus-like atmosphere. But that's just a guess.

[Guest Tyler McClelland]

There won't be coverage of the trial, ala CourtTV, so it won't be as big...

 

I believe they awarded Virginia the first crack at the suspects, but I may be mistaken... it will probably be prosecuted on a state level because I know Virginia is a death penalty state.

[Guest cynicalprofit]

Im probably wrong here, but if Virgina manages to screw up, cant the feds then get on other charges under federal charges. I think the feds say these 2 maybe linked to other murders.

[Guest DrTom]

1. They'll be charged with several counts of premeditated murder (broken down by state), conspiracy to commit murder, and things like that.

 

2. The trials will be done by the states. Virginia's trying them first, since Virginia kills more criminals than the other states involved (I think they're second only to Texas, but I wouldn't swear to that). Since the feds can't go after them on murder charges (and could only get them for things like firearms violations), they've deferred to the states and the more severe charges they can bring about.

 

I wouldn't expect to see live coverage of this, a la OJ, but it WILL be talked about and reported on heavily.