Related threads: Parents say (Army) son rejects plea deal in Iraq killings, is innocent and Grassroots effort gets renowned defense team onboard in Iskandariyah case.
This is a grassroots effort to spread the word about Sgt Vela's case. Please ping any Idaho or Ranger Freepers you know or anyone else who might take an interest.
Thank you.
Legal problems. You can fight the murder charge on the basis that the service member thought he was being attacked by the Iraqi male. Just that is a hard case for gmvt to prove.
Problem is, it is easier to prove the planting of a weapon charge. He did or he didn’t. There is no “self defense” or “thought he was an enemy” defense to the planting a weapon charge.
Once they establish the planting a weapon charge, if they do, then it makes the defense against the murder charge much more difficult, because it is harder to establish that you thought it was a good kill if you thought you had to plant a weapon, etc.
The false official statement and OJ charges are not serious, and probably simply lesser included offenses, but the planting the weapon charge, if sustained, is a problem for what it implies downline
I don’t understand why they haven’t all been pulled home and put in jail. That’s what the enemy wants, inside AND outside this country.
BUMP! for assistance for Sgt. Vela and his family.
Why would any trials for premeditated murder be held in Baghdad? This is pretty serious. I still cannot understand why more resources aren’t afforded each military person accused of a crime, especially one that holds such a high penalty. Prayers for a family in need.
I’ve totally given up on this sorry ass Administration. Persecution of servicemen in a PC War is the rule of the day. The Terorists must be laughing out loud at our sheer stupidity.
My nephew just got back from Iraq. He’s a mature Staff Sergeant about to be promoted to E-7 and he says the “rules” are a joke.
He also says that the Muzzies, even the ones ostensibly on our side, are totally unsuited for Democracy and is also of the opinion that if we defeat Al Qaida we should make a pretty quick exit. Otherwise the non Al Quadi Insurgents helping us now will joyfully turn on us again in order to drive us “Infidels” from their “sacred” Muzzie soil.
Rover, keep me pinged on this. I seem to have missed it up till now.