Posted on 12/17/2004 6:11:11 PM PST by Critical Bill
BERLIN (AP) - A U.S. tank company commander accused of killing a critically injured Iraqi man who chauffeured radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr will be court-martialled, an army spokesman said Tuesday.
Capt. Rogelio Maynulet, 29, of Chicago will be tried on charges of assault with intent to commit murder and dereliction of duty, which carry a maximum combined sentence of 20½ years, said Maj. Michael Indovina.
During Maynulet's military hearing - the equivalent of a civilian grand jury investigation - witnesses testified that the driver had been shot in the head when Maynulet saw him. A fellow officer said Maynulet told him he then shot the man out of compassion.
Maynulet was initially charged with murder, but 1st Armoured Division commander Maj.-Gen. Martin Dempsey decided Monday to proceed with lesser charges at his court-martial. The army would not say whether Dempsey was acting on the hearing officer's recommendation or opted for lesser charges himself.
Maynulet's defence attorney, Capt. Will Helixon, could not be reached for comment.
Former commanders of Maynulet spoke highly of him during his hearing, saying he was a trustworthy officer and a particularly good combat commander.
Prosecutors tried to paint a different picture, however, citing other incidents in which they maintained Maynulet broke military rules.
They said he had carried a non-regulation weapon and once broke into an Iraqi police station to retrieve an identification card for a civilian contractor.
The court-martial charges stem from a May 21 incident in which Maynulet was leading his tank company on a patrol near Kufa, where heavy fighting had been reported.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbc.ca ...
Any military people out there.....will he be acquitted of this "crime"?
You get your login from "Things to do in Denver when you're dead"?
concur
How the hell can we win a war if this kind of thing goes on?
As to whether he'll be acquited or not will depend on the make-up of the courts presiding officers. Combat veterans? REMFs? Who knows. Still, having watched a WIA die over a period of hours with a similar wound, I'd personally opt for the quick way. Not a great way to go.
AMEN BROTHER!!!
Wasn't the victim also pinned in a burning vehicle? Or was that another case?
Hopefully something far more effective and reliable than that *&$#% Beretta...
Hopefully something far more effective and reliable than that *&$#% Beretta...
Those supporting the soldier(s) need to start calling and writing (emailing) the White House (202) 456-1111(President@whitehouse.gov) and the Department of the Defense ASAP. The more the better! In my opinion, calling in your comments to the White House does more than online petitions. And, while you're at it, call the RNC in Washington (202)863-8545.
I hope not. He is wrong and violated the laws of war. There is no such thing as a mercy killing, it is nothing more than Hollywood bunk. Flame me all you want, that is just one military persons opinion.
Yes I did. That and the fact that at 50 I find myself more cynical than is probably good for me.
Fair enough.
" He got caught doing a no no under the Geneva Conventions"
That only holds when fighting against a country/government.
The Geneve Conventions don't mean crap in this instance.
They ought to over there killing anything that moves.
Done, and I have emailed several people with the link and asked them to sign forward as well.
I did not see the actual Articles that he is charged with ... I just finished reading Articles 118 and I think he can beat that Article and Dereliction of Duty. His career is gone so I hope he not found guilty ....
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