Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_07-cv-06105/USCOURTS-cand-3_07-cv-06105-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 550
Nature of Suit: Prisoner - Civil Rights (U.S. defendant)
Cause of Action: 42:1983 Prisoner Civil Rights

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JONATHAN LEE RICHES,

Plaintiff,

 v.

THE BELTWAY SNIPERS, et al.,

Defendants. ____________________________________

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No. C 07-6105 MJJ (PR)

ORDER OF DISMISSAL

Plaintiff, a federal prisoner proceeding pro se, filed this pro se complaint under 42

U.S.C. § 1983 against “The Beltway Snipers,” John Muhammad, Lee Malvo, and Chief

Charles Moose. 

A federal court must conduct a preliminary screening in any case in which a prisoner seeks

redress from a governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity. See 28 U.S.C. §

1915A(a). In its review, the court must identify any cognizable claims and dismiss any claims that

are frivolous, malicious, fail to state a claim upon which relief may be granted or seek monetary

relief from a defendant who is immune from such relief. See id. § 1915A(b)(1),(2). Pro se pleadings

must, however, be liberally construed. See Balistreri v. Pacifica Police Dep't, 901 F.2d 696, 699

(9th Cir. 1988). To state a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a plaintiff must allege two essential

elements: (1) that a right secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States was violated, and

(2) that the alleged violation was committed by a person acting under the color of state law. See

West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42, 48 (1988).

Plaintiff alleges that “because of Defendants’ reckless endangerment from shooting

Case 3:07-cv-06105-MJJ Document 3 Filed 12/19/07 Page 1 of 2
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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G:\PRO-SE\MJJ\CR.07\riches44.dsm.wpd 2

like John Wayne at Mobil Stations and Home Depots,” plaintiff was subjected to a stop and

search on a nearby highway. Plaintiff alleges defendant Malvo plans to “shoot me with

steroids,” that defendant Muhammad “is working with Al-qaeda and Ramzi Yusef to destroy

and sniper U.S. prisons.” He further alleges that “Defendants plan to add me on Craigslist

which I suffered 192 heart attacks from being scared.” Plaintiff seeks ten million dollars in

damages, a restraining order, and “the amputation of Defendants’ fingers.” As plaintiff’s

allegations are clearly baseless, irrational or wholly incredible, the complaint will be

dismissed as frivolous under sections 1915A and 1915(e)(2). 

For the foregoing reasons, this action is DISMISSED. 

The Clerk shall close the file.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

DATED: 12/18/07 _____________________________

MARTIN J. JENKINS

United States District Judge

Case 3:07-cv-06105-MJJ Document 3 Filed 12/19/07 Page 2 of 2