Muhammad Won't Sign Papers for Move to Md.

Convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad has challenged his transfer from Virginia to Maryland for trial in the October 2002 sniper shootings, potentially delaying his arrival in Montgomery County by 30 days or more, authorities said.

Muhammad refused to sign paperwork required to move him from Virginia's death row in Waverly to Montgomery County, said Kevin Hall, spokesman for Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner (D).

The refusal means that Muhammad, 44, has 30 days to request that Warner not send him to Maryland. If, after the 30 days, Warner has not responded to the request -- in effect, denying it -- Muhammad would have an "identity hearing" before a Sussex County judge. If the judge determines that Muhammad is in fact Muhammad, the judge can order that the convicted sniper be transferred to Maryland, Hall said.

"The governor would review such a request," Hall said of an attempt by Muhammad to stay in Virginia, "but has made it clear that it is his intention to send this defendant to Maryland for prosecution."

Warner could also cut the 30-day waiting period short by explicitly denying the request, Hall said.

Montgomery County State's Attorney Douglas F. Gansler, whose office will try Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo in Maryland, said the delay will not seriously affect the prosecution.

"This is not a significant delay," Gansler said.

Malvo, who was found guilty of one sniper killing in Fairfax County and sentenced to life in prison, has signed the paperwork, Hall said. Malvo is expected to be moved to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Clarksburg in coming weeks.