There was a lot of pre-trial speculation that charges would be dismissed. My guess is that it was no one's interest to do so. Why subject yourself to second-guessing from the brass when you could just let this play out?
On the other hand, there were basically three separate actions and SSgt Wuterich was involved in all three.
The first was the shooting at the "white taxi", second at "houses one, two, and three", and lastly at "house four". (See diagram below.
The other charges that have been dropped related to the houses. The main hope of the prosecution will be the "white taxi". They have a witness, Sgt Dela Cruz, who bombed at the Article 32 hearing so it's still a shaky case at best.
Thanks for the ping, Red.
The main hope of the prosecution will be the "white taxi". They have a witness, Sgt Dela Cruz, who bombed at the Article 32 hearing so it's still a shaky case at best.
Is SSgt Wuterich still being charged with the deaths at the taxi? Nat's article says charges stem from the deaths of 15 citizens.