[RedRover]

Thanks for that, Girl. I am just overjoyed for Cpl Thomas and his family!

But there's a disturbing note. Attorney David Brahms sounds resigned that Rob Pennington will be serving eight years in prison.

For the same charge, Pennington got eight years and Thomas is free.

If I were Brahms, I'd be trying to get Gen Mattis to commute Pennington's sentence and not just saying, "que sera, sera".

[Girlene]

Yes, Red, it is sad about Pennington. Nothing says Mattis can't reduce the sentence given a little [or LOTS of] prodding.

There's some foreboding news for the next trial, however. Not sure how the IO for Hutchins has ruled. Forensics at center of Haditha hearing

From the article: On Thursday, attorneys for Cpl. Marshall Magincalda, one of the Marines accused in the Hamdania case, lost their bid to argue that the victim was a wanted Iraqi insurgent and not a disabled, retired policeman, as prosecutors have said.

Judge Lt. Col. Eugene Robinson will allow prosecutors to remove the man's name from the charges, effectively blocking defense attorneys from challenging who the victim really was, and whether he was a known insurgent.

Unfortunately, this IO, Robinson, has not been helpful at all to the defense with his motions. They will not be able to argue in the open courtroom that the Iraqi that was killed was a suspected insurgent. Robinson may also have blocked the jury from knowing what the other 5 (now 6) have received for sentences, thus far (not 100% sure). This IO has done everything he can to make this trial an uphill battle for the defense.