Witness Indicates Malvo's Cooperation With Police

Sniper Implicated Muhammad, Md. Court Is Told

Sniper Lee Boyd Malvo in recent weeks implicated John Allan Muhammad in the October 2002 sniper shootings, a homicide investigator testified yesterday in the first apparent confirmation that Malvo is cooperating with law enforcement authorities.

Sources close to the case have said that Malvo, who has been convicted in Virginia, is likely to plead guilty in the Maryland case and take the stand against Muhammad during his trial in the six sniper shootings in Montgomery County.

Sgt. Roger Thomson of the Montgomery police disclosed the recent conversation with Malvo after Muhammad, who is defending himself, asked him repeatedly about reported sightings of white box trucks and vans at or near the shooting scenes. Muhammad and Malvo were captured in a Chevrolet Caprice.

Muhammad also asked Thomson whether he had direct knowledge before Muhammad's Oct. 24 arrest of who was behind the series of random shootings with a high-powered rifle. Thomson said he did not.

On redirect questioning, Deputy State's Attorney Katherine Winfree asked Thomson whether since March he had spoken to anyone who had firsthand knowledge of Muhammad's and Malvo's involvement in the sniper shootings.

"Yes," Thomson responded.

"And who is that person?" Winfree asked.

"Lee Boyd Malvo," he said.

"Have you spoken with Mr. Malvo?" she asked.

"Yes, I have," he responded.

"And has he provided personal information about his and Mr. Muhammad's involvement in these shootings?" she asked.

"Yes, he has," Thomson said.