Statement From U.S. Attorney on Abdulhakim Muhammad Case
By: Nichelle Sullivan
Updated: December 7, 2011
The following is a quote from the U.S. Attorney Chris Thyer in response to questions today regarding this case:
"In the aftermath of the senseless killing of Private William Andrew Long and the attempted murder of Private Quinton Ezeagwula by Mr. Bledsoe, a.k.a. Abdulhakim Muhammad, Mr. Bledsoe was arrested by local law enforcement authorities and charges were filed against him by the state. Due to the circumstances of the case, both the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the United States Attorney's Office potentially had jurisdiction over the murder and attempted murder charges. Because the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney's Office decided to proceed with the charges it had filed against Mr. Bledsoe, first, my office decided to await the conclusion of that case, all the while actively monitoring the state prosecution and remaining in regular contact with Mr. Jegley's office about the case. As you know, the state prosecution resulted in a conviction against Mr. Bledsoe and the imposition of multiple life sentences, and I congratulate Mr. Jegley on a very successful prosecution. Because there is no statute of limitations for murder, the possibility of a federal prosecution still exists; however, it would not be appropriate to comment further on that possibility."
