Posted on 08/21/2010 8:32:45 AM PDT by Lancey Howard
Nearly five years after 24 Iraqi men, women and children were slain by a Camp Pendleton squad as it searched for a roadside bomber, the last man to face criminal charges from the incident is about to go on trial.
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, who told an investigator that he had directed his men to "shoot first and deal with it later," is due in a base courtroom next week as attorneys argue final motions in advance of his long-awaited trial.
A Connecticut native, Wuterich, 30, has pleaded not guilty to nine counts of voluntary manslaughter and related offenses arising out of the killings, which took place in the city of Haditha on Nov. 19, 2005.
"These past five years have been a long five years," Wuterich said earlier this year. "It's tough being the last guy going through this, but I'm confident everything will turn out how it should."
Wuterich's charges carry a maximum punishment of 160 years.
Seven others accused of wrongdoing at Haditha saw their charges dismissed or withdrawn by prosecutors.
(Excerpt) Read more at nctimes.com ...
I don’t know what to say - except THANK YOU for posting this!
I don’t think Lt. Col Sullivan is the lead Prosecutor this time around. I think Major Nick Gannon is heading up the Persecution for the September trial, Sullivan was given another assignment or heading for another assignment after last March’s motion hearing.
Thanks, Saorise.
Interesting find, smooth.
I can only add the words of a man we both respect...
..............................................................................
"The two best ways to support SSgt Wuterich is to keep the public eye on his proceedings. Keeping a light on the Headquarters Marine Corps political and administrative manipulations also provides a light to exhibit the generals' red faces. In addition, let SSgt Frank Wuterich and his family know there are a large number of people in this country that would be glad to shake his hand with pride for his exceptional service."
Semper Fi.
Bob Weimann,
LtCol, USMC Ret.
Former Commanding Officer, Kilo Company, 3/1
Thank you, Bob.
Also, thank you smooth for posting.
>> Mark Walker, clueless to the end...
No kidding, and with shades of predetermined guilt.
attagirl!
Dahling, is there anyway you can fire the ping? Mine’s locked up : (
Joining in with prayers up for this good Marine and his family. A shame it even got this far...truly a shame.
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