Gov. has last chance to stop execution

RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Tim Kaine holds the last chance for life for John Allen Muhammad, reserving the power to grant clemency.  His office declined comment about the decision, but said he is, in fact, reviewing the case and considering the request.

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block Tuesday's scheduled execution of sniper mastermind John Allen Muhammad. The Court did not comment Monday on why it refused to consider his appeal.

Muhammad is scheduled to die by injection at a Virginia prison for the slaying of Dean Harold Meyers at a gas station during a three-week spree in October 2002 across Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Muhammad and his teenage accomplice, Lee Boyd Malvo, were also suspected of fatal shootings in other states, including Louisiana, Alabama and Arizona.  Malvo is serving a life sentence in prison.

One year after Muhammad's murderous rampage ended, the DC Sniper was brought to Virginia Beach to be tried.

"This is probably the highest profile and one of the most high-risk inmates anyone had ever seen in the Hampton Roads area," said State Delegate Paula Miller who, at the time, was the Public Information Officer for the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office.  She was in charge of coordinating the scores of news crews who descended on the city.   "There was interest from New Zealand, the British press, there was a lot of intrigue from the outside."

Miller has kept pictures from the trial, like one showing Muhammad's cell in isolation where he often placed a blanket on the floor and prayed.   A camera in the cell monitored Muhammad every second. "And there was a guard posted right outside his door. He stayed there 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Miller.

"He had a special request immediately for a special diet and the Sheriff said absolutely not, unless the court orders me to serve him a special diet, because none of the other inmates get a special diet," said Miller.

During Muhammad's shooting spree, he not only terrified thousands of residents, he also frightened his ex-wife. "I knew he was going to kill me and I knew it would be a headshot," Mildred Muhammad said recently.

Muhammad's attorney says his client is unmoved as his execution date draws near.

"Even the coming of one's own execution, someone seriously mentally ill responds differently and so, he has not responded to the events going on around him," said his defense attorney.

Unless Governor Kaine steps in, Muhammad will die Tuesday night at 9 p.m.

WAVY News 10 will have a crew in Jarratt, Va. for the execution. Look for complete coverage on air and online.