Relatives, victims react to Malvo verdict

Associated Press/December 19, 2003

College Park, Maryland -- Victims and relatives of those shot in last year's Washington-area sniper rampage are expressing relief over the jury's verdict in Lee Malvo's case.

Malvo has been convicted of capital murder and could face a death sentence.

Sonia Wills says when she heard the news her reaction was "Thank God! -- He's going to get what he deserves."

Wills was on her way home from planting a small Christmas tree on the grave of her son, Conrad Johnson.

Others expressed relief that jurors didn't accept claims from Malvo's lawyers that the teenager was manipulated by convicted sniper John Muhammad.

Muhammad Rashid says Malvo "was just as responsible." Rashid says he saw Malvo just moments before being shot outside of a liquor store.

Meanwhile, the sister of a woman killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, calls the verdict her "new Christmas present."