Four US Soldiers Charged With Rape And Murder

FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky (CNN) -- The commander of the 101st Airborne Division has referred murder charges against four U.S. soldiers accused of raping and killing a 14-year-old girl and slaying her sister and their parents in Mahmoudiya, south of Baghdad, according to military officials. Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner made the decision after reviewing the Article 32 report of investigation and receiving recommendations from the investigating officer, the appointing authority who directed the investigation and his staff judge advocate, according to a written statement. Two of the men face capital charges, and would be eligible for the death penalty, if convicted. The other two could face life in prison without parole.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner made the decision after reviewing the Article 32 report of investigation and receiving recommendations from the investigating officer, the appointing authority who directed the investigation and his staff judge advocate, according to a written statement.

I do not know all the facts, but what I know so far, these charges are pretty damning against the soldiers. If true, then I say they should be punished to the full extent of the military law, including the death penalty. Atrocities like this make me sick to my stomach.

Yes, these are damning charges, but in the meantime, have we seen any proof? Until there is proof and that proof leads to a conviction I will support these troops.

Well, this excerpt from the article posted, indicates the General made the decision to go forth with murder charges against the soldiers, after he received the recommendations to do so from the investigating officer, the appointing authority, and a staff chief advocate. Very, very damning in my opinion. I think there was enough proof found that convinced the investigators to recommend such charges be brought against these men. I am guessing a trial will probably bear out that these investigator's findings were correct, in that this horrible crime did indeed take place.

I know that just because a person puts on a uniform that they don't automatically receive wings and a halo. You are right things seem very bleak for these soldiers, and if they are guilty they need the book thrown at them. But until their guilt is established I am hoping that they are innocent.

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