Red, I'm trying to get some of these players straight. According to published articles, the chain of events/commanders in the aftermath of Haditha are:
Kilo Company commander, McConnell informs superiors of civilian deaths. McConnell's lawyer says, "There was never a hint whatsoever that these kids did anything improper. Not one."
Chessani, the Marines' battalion commander, informs his superior, the regimental commander Col. Stephen W. Davis, about the civilian casualties, Davis says no investigation needed. (I think Chessani visits the area that day or the next.)
Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, the division commander, learns about the casualties that day; says he believed that they were the result of a roadside bomb and the ensuing gunbattle. Visits the area 3 days later and briefed. Doesn't recall no. of Iraqis killed, but does recall discussing Marines clearing houses following the IED attack.
Chessani authorizes $38K in payments to families in Dec. 2005 for first 2 houses. (My comment - this is probably 15 deaths at $2.5K each and 2 injuries at $1.5K each.)
Times questions military in Feb, Huck and Davis ignore, but , then a battalion operations officer and a battalion executive officer suggest an investigation to Chessani. Chessani replies, "My men are not murderers."
Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli orders Army Col. Gregory Watt, to do an investigation. Watt concurs with Marines, but suggests NCIS do their own investigation. And the rest is history.
So, Maj. Samuel H. Carrasco and a battalion executive officer are responsible for getting this whole thing started. Then Army Col. Watt decides NCIS should get involved.
Chessani is charged, McConnell is charged, Huck and Davis are not. Where do 1st Lt. Grayson and Capt. Stone fit in this picture?
Thanks
Well, somebody's got to take the fall for Col. Davis, Col. Watt, Lt. Gen. Chiarelli, and Maj. Gen. Huck!
Lt. Grayson and Capt. Stone are both on the hook for failing to fully tell the higher ups why there should have been an investigation.
Lieutenant Grayson was the Intel officer. According to the North County Times, he is accused of dereliction of duty after he allegedly "willfully failed" to ensure that the incident was fully investigated and accurately reported up the chain of command. He also is accused of making a false official statement and obstructing justice, a charge that specifically alleges he wrongfully endeavored to impede an investigation.
Captain Stone was the 3rd Battalion's staff legal adviser. According to the North County Times, he was charged with violation of a lawful order for allegedly failing to ensure accurate reporting and a thorough investigation of a violation of the law of war.