Posted on 12/06/2006 7:36:46 PM PST by RedRover
SAN DIEGO- About six Marines will likely be charged in the killing of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha, a congressman said Wednesday.
Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., did not know the charges but said they were serious.
Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, said the military would file charges in weeks, not days. He declined to be more specific about the timing.
Continues below...
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
The congressmen spoke after Lt. Gen. Richard Natonski gave a one-hour, closed-door briefing to the House Armed Services Committee on the military's investigations into the deaths and the likely next steps.
"I think all of us in there were struck by the incident, the number of civilians involved, and the extent of the tragedy," said Udall. "There are some questions that still have to be answered, but it appeared the rules of engagement hadn't been followed."
The Haditha deaths are one of several cases involving allegations of unjustified killings of Iraqi civilians by U.S. troops. A squad from Camp Pendleton-based Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment has been under investigation for the November 2005 killings.
According to defense attorneys, the squad was on a routine mission when a roadside bomb ripped into a Humvee, killing one Marine and injuring two others.
In the aftermath of that explosion, 24 Iraqis also died. Defense lawyers have said their clients were following rules of engagement when they returned fire from several houses nearby and shot several men in a taxi.
The congressmen were asked not to speak publicly about the military's findings, and Natonski declined to comment. The Marine Corps confirmed Tuesday that prosecutors are finalizing charges in the case.
"I'm just updating Congress," Natonski said. Asked about any criminal charges, he said, "We're looking at it soon."
The Marines and several lawmakers declined to name the troops who are expected to be charged. The New York Times identified five, citing an unnamed Marine official and a lawyer involved in the case. According to the newspaper, they included Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich of Meriden, Conn., Lance Cpl. Stephen Tatum of Edmond, Okla., and Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt of Carbondale, Penn.
Lawyers for two of the men and the mother of another said they had not been notified if and when charges would be filed.
"Our position remains that the collateral deaths of civilians was a tragedy but all of them were legally justified actions in a time of war," said Wuterich's lawyer Mark Zaid.
Tatum's attorney, Jack Zimmerman, said his client believes he did nothing wrong.
Theresa Sharratt said she was "just waiting on pins and needles." Her son, Justin, has told her repeatedly that he followed the rules of engagement.
Justin Sharratt has been working at a gymnasium at Camp Pendleton during the investigation.
"Honestly, I just hope they wait until after Christmas to do anything," his mother said. "He was in Iraq the last two holidays, and I just wanted him home this year."
Martin Terrazas, whose son Marine Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas of El Paso, Texas, died in the roadside bomb that preceded the killings, said he was surprised to hear reports that some of his son's fellow Marines may face criminal charges.
"It's upsetting, it's terrible," Terrazas said. "They're making some kind of mistake."
Terrazas has said the Marines from unit described how insurgents used women and children as shields.
Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo. who attended the Wednesday's military briefing, said, "Clearly, this was a tragedy. Now it is up to the legal process to determine if it was criminal. What happened at Haditha was horrific, but it does not reflect the actions of the vast majority of our brave military men and women who serve with honor."
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This is an AP story (which allows posting here) in the Mercury News (which only allows excerpts). So I posted it in two parts and trust this is kosher.
This is the first post-briefing report I've seen. Needless to say, these kinds of statements from Udall and Skelton just makes more hell for the families.
Let me or jazusamo know if you want to be on the Haditha Marines Ping List.
As are the rest of us.
Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, said the military would file charges in weeks, not days.
This is unbelievable but not unexpected. No staff and no reporters were allowed in the closed door session but these two pinheads come out and start venting.
It's despicable!
Please add me to the list.
Cindie
They are being charged for killing someone in war? No wonder the Muslim extremist are winning.
Time reported that charges are expected around Dec. 18th. Merry Christmas, Mrs. Sharratt.
"Honestly, I just hope they wait until after Christmas to do anything," his mother said. "He was in Iraq the last two holidays, and I just wanted him home this year."
Are these marines home as in home versus prison??
Welcome to the Haditha Marine ping list, Cindie.
Damn.
And Reyes is in the on-deck circle as the new chairman of the Intelligence Committee.
Last I heard the Marines were walking around freely at Camp Pendleton. So Mrs Sharratt means home from Pendleton.
The terrorists can't beat us, but they can get us to defeat ourselves. And that's exactly what we're doing.
I guess this is one way to destroy the military.....charge our soldiers with murder for killing during a war. Bring our troops home.
When the victory is won. They've earned it.
I had the same problem posting this as you had last night, pink. The url is "excerpt only"--but the thread hasn't been pulled yet so I hope it's okay.
It appears that the Marine Corps didn't get the memo. THE ELECTIONS ARE OVER! THE COMMIE 'RATS WON! You can knock off this charade now! Geeeesh!
I noticed. I am waiting to see what happens.
I gotta hit the rack. Do have a great upcoming day.
You too, Uncle.
Now THERE'S a thought! (Morning, ma!)
Morning, Glory!
Off to face the day............
have a good one!
If anyone is interested, the article from the Napa Valley Register is here: Attorney: Napan not being charged in Haditha incident
Breaker Morant II.
I'm praying for a different ending.
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