Prosecution’s star witness in Haditha case crumbles on the stand

Defend Our Marines ^ | September 1, 2007 | Nathaniel R. Helms

[uncbob]

Very good point and I agree. I can't see any legitimate reason to bring a reservist on board to prosecute this case.

Maybe they didn't want a career type to be stained by the unpopularity of this case

[RedRover]

Wow, you can proud of your old classmate. And SSgt Wuterich can be grateful he's on his defense team.

Lt Col Vokey

[Experiment 6-2-6]

Colby was a year behind me at Texas A&M, I’ve known him since 1983...

SSgt Wuterich (or somebody on his behalf) said their prayers.

Last saw him a few years back when he was still a Major with the JAG at Camp Pendleton. Married with kids. He is one of the most honorable marines I’ve ever known.

[jazusamo]

I don’t know and like freema brought out, Murtha served the majority of his time in the Marine reserves. That may mean nothing but with his despicable behavior in this case I’m skeptical of coincidences, the turkey knows many people in the military.

[freema]

Coincidentally, a wise old woman once told me there are no coincidences.

[freema]

How many Aggies does it take to make chocolate chip cookies?

[jazusamo]

I agree with the wise old woman. :)

[xzins]

Mendoza said he returned to a position at the front of the house and heard a door open behind him followed by a loud noise. Returning later that afternoon to retrieve bodies, Mendoza said he found a room full of corpses.

In cross-examination, however, Major Haytham Faraj suggested a girl who survived the shootings had identified Mendoza as the gunman, sparking an angry reaction from prosecutors.

"The girl in question already identified another Marine," Sullivan stormed. "This is completely unethical, inappropriate and has no basis in fact."

Mendoza had given similar testimony during a preliminary hearing against Tatum earlier this year.

Investigating officer Lieutenant Colonel Paul Ware, who is presiding in Wuterich's hearing, last week recommended dropping murder charges against Tatum, describing Mendoza's evidence as "too weak."

Later in cross-examination Mendoza praised Wuterich's leadership. "I think he's a great Marine, sir," he said.

Defense lawyers will argue that Wuterich followed established combat zone rules of engagement.

Of the four Marines charged with murder, two have since had charges withdrawn, while allegations against Tatum are also expected to be dismissed.

Wuterich also faces charges of making a false statement and asking another Marine to do the same. He faces a life sentence and dishonorable discharge if court-martialed.

http://fe27.news.re3.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070831/ts_alt_afp/usiraqmilitarywarcrimeshaditha_070831020421

[RedRover]

You’re lucky to have him as a friend! I’ve only ever heard great things about him. For instance, when the father of a 3/1 Marine (not one of the accused) wanted to see a hearing, Vokey got him in and went out of his way to be hospitable at Pendleton. And he’s always been gracious in e-mails (though he never answers mine—just lilycicero’s!).

[xzins]

Mendoza said he returned to a position at the front of the house and heard a door open behind him followed by a loud noise. Returning later that afternoon to retrieve bodies, Mendoza said he found a room full of corpses.

In cross-examination, however, Major Haytham Faraj suggested a girl who survived the shootings had identified Mendoza as the gunman, sparking an angry reaction from prosecutors.

"The girl in question already identified another Marine," Sullivan stormed. "This is completely unethical, inappropriate and has no basis in fact."

Mendoza had given similar testimony during a preliminary hearing against Tatum earlier this year.

Investigating officer Lieutenant Colonel Paul Ware, who is presiding in Wuterich's hearing, last week recommended dropping murder charges against Tatum, describing Mendoza's evidence as "too weak."

Later in cross-examination Mendoza praised Wuterich's leadership. "I think he's a great Marine, sir," he said.

Defense lawyers will argue that Wuterich followed established combat zone rules of engagement.

Of the four Marines charged with murder, two have since had charges withdrawn, while allegations against Tatum are also expected to be dismissed.

Wuterich also faces charges of making a false statement and asking another Marine to do the same. He faces a life sentence and dishonorable discharge if court-martialed.

http://fe27.news.re3.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070831/ts_alt_afp/usiraqmilitarywarcrimeshaditha_070831020421

[StarCMC]

Sitting behind him was his wife, mother and father, who have suffered both deep emotional and severe financial hardship finding the means to afford civilian defense attorneys to defend him.

That's a travesty. When the charges are dropped, Murtha and crew need to reimburse these families for what the government has done to them. :-(((

[StarCMC]

Thanks for keeping that graphic updated, jaz!

[jazusamo]

Hiya Star, RedRover is the one who has the stuff and the know how to keep it updated, I just copy it from him and try to keep it posted. :)

[StarCMC]

Ah-ha! He has the stuff, does he? ;-)

[RedRover]

Yes, I have it and I can’t get rid of it no matter how hard I try! ;)

[RDTF]

not sure if this has been posted anywhere, but did you know that Wuterich is going to be on 60 Minutes tomorrow night?

[Girlene]

Thanks for that reminder. I believe it’s a repeat. But since SSgt. Wuterich’s hearing is on-going, I guess it makes sense for them to get some more air time from an older segment.

[RedRover]

We did a live thread when the interview was first broadcast (either in April or May). Maybe I should ping people to that thread to let them know?

[bray]

Me Lie II is crumbling under the Truth

Pray for W and Our Marines

[RDTF]

Not a bad idea to ping it. Did CBS treat him fairly?