Posted on 08/09/2007 8:29:38 AM PDT by RedRover
Edited on 08/09/2007 8:53:27 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
In a 7:00 am meeting this morning with defense attorneys and prosecutors, LtGen James Mattis ordered that all charges be dismissed against LCpl Justin Sharratt.
Gen Mattis' order for a dismissal follows the recommendation of the investigating officer in LCpl Sharratt's Article 32. A similar decision is expected in the case of a second Marine, charged with dereliction of duty, Capt. Randy W. Stone. [snip]
LCpl Sharratt had been charged with murder for his actions against the enemy in Haditha, Iraq.
On November 19, 2006, the Marines of Kilo Co., 3/1, were caught in a complex ambush in Haditha. At the end of the day's action, one Marine was dead and eleven wounded.
The next day, insurgents (using techniques from the jihadist handbook) made a videotape of the aftermath and accused the Marines of wanton murder.
The insurgents' evidence was used as the basis for a cover story in Time magazine. Seizing on the opportunity to erode support for the war, Congressman John Murtha went on a media offensive against the Marines, declaring them to be vicious, cold-blooded murderers.
Today's exoneration of LCpl Justin Sharratt is the first step in officially establishing the truth about what happened in Haditha.
Contrary to claims by Congressman Murtha and the media...
A defamation lawsuit was filed against Murtha on behalf of SSgt Wuterich. The Department of Justice is shielding Murtha with the claim that he was doing his duty as a congressman. The suit is on appeal.
Links to news sources regarding Gen Mattis' decision will be added to this thread as they are available. You are reading this first on Free Republic.
Free Republic has been "information central" regarding cases arising out of Marines' combat service in Iraq. I'd like to thank Jim Robinson for providing this forum and to Freepers for their active participation on these threads.
GOOD! Now for the rest of those guys.
I’m beginning to sniff the sickening sweet odor of Nifongism in this whole matter.
Three down, five to do!
whew thank God
Is this of concern?
A great big WOO-HOO! Makes my heart sing this morning!
Thank God for this...now exonerate the rest and sack Murtha!
Ping
Hallelujah!!! Many, many prayers have been answered for this Hero and his family.
It sounds like he has been granted an immunity shield so that he cannot be charged with anything for his testimony.
IF the defense sees this as a “boon”, then apparently this guy felt he would face retaliation from the NIS or someone in the Marines if he told the truth (the Marines acted very honorably) about Haditha.
Red - This calls for your dancing man animation!
Congratulations Justin and the entire Sharratt family.
boon - a benefit enjoyed; a thing to be thankful for; a blessing.
OOH RAH! Got this through the 3/1 network:
Theresa Sharratt wrote:
Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2007 08:19:00 -0700 (PDT)
From: theresa sharratt
Subject: IT’S OVER!
As of 10:45 a.m., Justin’s charges have been DROPPED!!!! He is free to leave the Marines as soon as he starts the process of signing out, approximately 1 month.
Today, a day to celebrate! Finally! All of our prayers answered...
IT’S OVER! IT’S OVER! IT’S OVER! I can’t believe I can finally say this!
Thank you everyone for your support, prayers, letters, cards, emails, and donations to Justin’s Defense Fund. God Bless all of you.
Defend Our Marine
www.justinsharratt.com
Excellent news!!!!!!!
Sensors here are registering the same, captain.
Man, I know what that feels like.
Skate, skate, skate. Skate out the door. Wave to everyone behind you and don't look back.
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