Muhammad’s dad files trial request

— The father of confessed soldier-killer Abdulhakim Muhammad has asked that a prosecution witness not be allowed to wear a military uniform while testifying, saying that “will for sure pollute the jury pool.”

Melvin Bledsoe made the request in a letter dated July 1 to Pulaski County Circuit Judge Herb Wright. The letter was filed in court Friday.

Bledsoe said he was making the request on behalf of Muhamad’s family. The letter doesn’t specify which “prosecution witness” it is referring to.

“You will look to be a very fair-minded judge, the world will be watching,” Bledsoe wrote.

Wright had not ruled on the request Monday.

Muhammad is set for trial July 18 on charges of capital murder, attempted capital murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle in June 2009 shooting outside the military recruiting center on Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock. The shooting killed Army Pvt. William Long and wounded a fellow private, Quinton Ezeagwula.

Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty at the trial.

Arkansas, Pages 8 on 07/12/2011

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