Posted on 01/02/2012 10:28:48 AM PST by smoothsailing
January 2, 2012
It certainly seems appropriate that the last defendant in the Haditha case is the squad leader, SSgt Frank Wuterich. Leaders take responsibility, and SSgt Wuterich has taken full responsibility for the actions of his squad in Haditha. His stance from the outset has remained clear:
As the last Marine originally charged in the deaths of Iraqis in Haditha, Iraq in 2005, SSgt Wuterich will be seated at the defense table in his general court-martial two days from now, Wednesday, January 4th. Barring last minute motions or outright dismissal of charges, jury selection will begin Wednesday or Thursday. SSgt. Wuterich will be tried by a jury of combat-experienced Marines, and the panel will include at least two Marines from the enlisted ranks.
Much has been written over the last six years about Haditha, and links to some of the most recent news articles and commentaries are included at the bottom of this post to help bring readers up to date. For older Free Republic postings, please use this link or enter the keyword Haditha in the Free Republic search engine.
The purpose of this Free Republic thread is to serve as a "Master Post" where trial news and updates can be brought together in one place for easy reference by those interested in following the proceedings as they unfold.
Freepers Smoothsailing, Red Rover, and Jazusamo will monitor the thread, post updates, and attempt to answer questions or direct readers to information sources. Jazusamo maintains the Haditha Marine Ping List. Please ask Jazusamo to be added to the ping list if you wish to be alerted to updates.
Recent News and Commentary:
MILITARY TIMES-Haditha Marine Faces Trial
Count Down to the Last Haditha Trial
MILITARY: Two high-profile cases set for Pendleton courtrooms
Remember SSgt Frank D. Wuterich: The last Haditha Marine goes on trial
Don’t rewrite Murtha’s legacy (Haditha Marines)
Bump it up!!!!
BUMP IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES!
Sax testified that the city of Haditha, where the killings occurred, was rife with insurgents in 2005.
The tactic of clearing rooms by tossing in grenades and following up with rifle fire was common practice in clearing homes where suspected insurgents were hiding, Sax testified.
His testimony echoed many of the prosecution's witnesses, who have said that they thought the insurgents responsible for the bombing that killed Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas were inside the homes where the civilians died.
Several members of Wuterich's squad have testified that they believed small-arms fire was being directed at the Marines from at least one, if not more, of the homes near the site of the bombing.
"If I feel my life is in danger I can apply deadly force," Sax testified before the jury of four officers and four enlisted men that will decide Wuterich's fate.
Forensic Pathologist Disproves Sgt Dela Cruz’s Story-(1-18-2012 testimony)
The forensic pathologist identified stippling on the bodies of the military aged men consistent with a weapon being fired at close range, which they identified as within 3 feet. Not only did this contradict Sgt Dela Cruz statements of how he shot the men, Dela Cruz himself testified that it was not normal Marine procedures to hold a rifle in that manner. When asked how he knew if he had actually hit the men, he stated “I know because I never miss.” He also testified that when he shot them he knew they were dead. Odd that one would need to fire at close range into suspected insurgents who were already dead. The pathologist proved that they at least two of them must have been still alive when Sgt Dela Cruz shot them.
That's a wow.
E-mail coming!
Whoops, forgot my e-mail address book was wiped off my cell phone. Could you guys e-mail me so I can reply?
Done, I cc’d Jaz.
Damn right.
UNEXPECTED RECESS: WITNESS CUT SHORT
Camp Pendleton, Calif. – The General Court Martial of SSgt Frank D. Wuterich was recessed unexpectedly without explanation in the middle of the cross-examination of squad member Humberto Mendoza.
Mendoza was expected to testify he heard Wuterich order his ad hoc fire team to mount an unlawful assault on two houses that held civilians.
During his examination by government prosecutor Lt Col Sean Sullivan, however, Mendoza testified he never heard Wuterich give any orders to assault the houses where 14 civilians were killed.
Wuterich is charged with nine counts of Voluntary Manslaughter and related offenses for his alleged misconduct at Haditha, Iraq on Nov. 19, 2005.
Military Judge Lt Col David Jones offered no explanation for the unexpected recess. The trial is scheduled to resume at 0800 Pacific time Thursday.
During his examination by government prosecutor Lt Col Sean Sullivan, however, Mendoza testified he never heard Wuterich give any orders to assault the houses
Verrrry interesting. Something happened behind the scenes.
The prosecution is watching their case come undone before their eyes. I couldn’t be happier for them!
And GOOD FOR MENDOZA!!!
.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.