I don't think anyone should avoid coming because of the serial sniper, but for those coming from the South, I would make these few suggestions.

Gas up well before you get to Fredericksburg, VA (two sniper incidents, the last guy did not heed his friends who gave him this same warning) Don't stop for gas again until you have passed all of 495.

Don't make any public stops (i.e. restaurants, shopping malls) until you have left I 495. You can stop and pick up friends at their houses in relative safety.

These are not major inconveniences. As Bill D. said, you're odds at being the next victim are slim. As he also said, no one's been shot while driving their car.

Reverse the rules for your return trip. Gas up before you reach 495. Don't stop again until your well past Fredericksburg.

The sniper has taken weekends (Sat. and Sun.) off so far. He's attacking every other day, so Mon (already happened), Wed. and Fri. are the crucial days.

Roger in Baltimore