The shootings were especially jarring for a region that was terrorized by sniper killings in October 2002.

The situation with Private Lynch is reminiscent of efforts involving last year's sniper killings.

Maryland, where the greatest number of the sniper killings took place, bars the execution of those younger than 18.

He calls the sniper killings "a terrible tragedy" and expresses sorrow for "those who are now suffering the loss of a loved one."

I'm stunned," Travis added of his father's arrest in connection with the sniper killings, "yet I don't think he did any of these things.

People back east woke up to the news that two suspects had been arrested in the wave of sniper killings in Virginia and Maryland.

The district was also in the middle of the sniper killings, which traumatized the region and dampened the campaign for more than two weeks.

Officials at the hearing pointed to the case of John Muhammad, the man accused in the Washington-area sniper killings.

A little more than a month after Ms. James said she lost contact with her son, investigators now contend, the first of the sniper killings occurred.

Because the sniper killings were in several jurisdictions, Mr. Muhammad is likely to face trials in other states.