Federal charges filed against sniper suspect

The American government filed charges against one of the two sniper suspects yesterday, warning that the death penalty would be available if he was convicted.

John Muhammad, 41, was charged with 20 criminal counts, including that of discharging a firearm as part of an extortion scheme resulting in the deaths of seven people. A total of 10 people were killed.

Documents filed by the Justice Department at the US District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland, did not mention the second suspect, John Malvo. By law, officials cannot discusscharges against a juvenile. While 17-year-old Mr Malvo can be charged with a federal capital offence, he is too young to be executed.

John Ashcroft, the Attorney General, said he believed the "ultimate sanction" ought to be available, indicating the "total unacceptability" of the crimes committed.

Mr Muhammad and Mr Malvo have been charged with murder in Maryland, Virginia and Alabama.The Justice Department will decide which state leads the prosecution.