The hidden marksman settled himself comfortably and relaxed, then methodically began to build up a stable fire position. His mind wandered slightly as he went through the old, well-drilled routine, back to summer days on the rifle ranges near Camp Beauregard. Lines of men on the firing point under the hot Louisiana sun, the sharp crack of M16 rifles, the patient instructions from range staff that turned to bellows of fury when a recruit did something stupid, the mingled smells of damp earth, hot oil and burned propellant. He patiently went through the lessons he’d learned there. He lined his body up with the target so no muscles would be straining to hold the rifle in the aim. He made sure his chest was free to expand without pressing on the ground and moving him. He shuffled his elbows until they sat firmly – a slight wobble would throw off his shot.

• Beltway Snipers 2002

Beltway Snipers 2002

Finally he raised the butt of the rifle into his shoulder and looked through the sight, making a few final tiny adjustments so the aiming mark settled on the target with no effort required. It wasn’t a difficult shot; the target was just over a hundred yards away and standing almost completely still. There was no need to adjust for range or movement. He watched for a few moments, looking for signs of wind that might affect the flight of the bullet.

Sep 29, 2012 - POST EXCLUSIVE: A decade after the D.C. Area sniper shootings, one of. (On the page, Malvo lists his favorite movie as “Titanic” and asks for.