Recent key developments in the investigation into the sniper shootings, which started Oct. 2.

THURSDAY, OCT. 17:

The sniper calls a Montgomery County, Md., public information officer and refers to a robbery-homicide in “Montgomery,” a law enforcement official close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press.

FRIDAY:

A priest in Ashland, Va., receives a call from someone who says he was God and mentioned a crime in Montgomery, Ala., according to the Rev. Pat Apuzzo, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. Apuzzo said the priest, Monsignor William V. Sullivan, dismisses the call as a prank.

SATURDAY:

Note found outside Ponderosa steakhouse in Ashland, after shooting of 12th victim is believed to be first communication from sniper since tarot death card found Oct. 7 with words: “Dear Policeman, I am God.”

SUNDAY:

Task force members visit Sullivan at his church and question him about his parishioners, according to diocesan spokesman. Priest tells investigators about the call on Friday night.

(Law enforcement source gives different account. Source says priest contacted task force Friday after getting call from sniper.)

Montgomery, Ala., police say they are contacted by the task force. Probe is narrowed to the Sept. 21 robbery-homicide. Fingerprint evidence is obtained from homicide detectives in Alabama and shipped to the task force in Maryland, the law enforcement source said.

Montgomery County, Md., Police Chief Charles Moose uses news media to speak directly to sniper: “To the person who left us a message at the Ponderosa last night. You gave us a telephone number. We do want to talk to you. Call us at the number you provided. Thank you.”

MONDAY: