Army to open criminal probe of Tillman death

CNN Online ^ | 03/04/2006 | Barbara Starr

[amutr22]

I don't understand either. Why the probe?

If this was a friendly fire accident ..these things, unfortunately, happen somewhat often, no?
Or are you insinuating this was a deliberate murder of Tilman?
If that is what you are implying then --it was only one single terrible individual who it would reflect badly on --as it should.

Please explain.

[shield]

Friendly fire deaths were huge in NAM...I've been told totally due to the large number of draftees in the service in those days [most were not accidents].

I wonder why this is now a criminal investigation? Where's there's smoke there must be fire. I hate to hear this.

[highball]

I would like to know why this has been re-opened....new evidence relating to his death?.....I'm willing to bet the DOD never wanted this re-opened...something has happened.

I agree. I fail to see why the DOD would open this would without good cause.

If they do have new evidence, then this isn't "unending persecution".

[Mr. Brightside]

Tillman's family demanded to know why his uniform and body armor were burned a day after he was killed and why they were not immediately told he might have been killed by fellow soldiers..... soldiers involved in the incident said they burned the items because they had taken pictures of the scene, walked around and knew how Tillman had been killed.... Initially, Tillman's blood-covered uniform and armor were said to have been destroyed because they were considered a biohazard.

The parents, and the nation, deserve the truth.

Covering up a wrong-doing is not good for the nation or good for the memory of Pat Tillman.

[COEXERJ145]

It might not be murder, which implies premeditation and intent, but something like "criminally negligent homicide". Perhaps someone blatantly disobeyed an order or violated the ROE and that is what resulted in Tillman's death.

[fso301]

Additional info......5.56 mm....7.62-mm, and is it in the back of the body or the front...this isn't rocket science folks.

Actually, I think I remember reading it was a .50 cal round to the head.

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

I am not quite sure what the issue is. Slow brain day.

Criminal investigation because Tillman was killed by Friendly Fire (I had heard that months ago) or by possible lies for told afterwards? Is there any evidence that one of his own may have taken advantage of the firefight to kill him?

[mystery-ak]

Is there any evidence that one of his own may have taken advantage of the firefight to kill him? None that I know of.....

[American Vet Repairman]

"The Army in May of 2004 determined that Tillman, 27, was probably killed by gunfire from his own unit during the intense firefight."


This is old news and Tillman was a great man who paid the ultimate price- however I as a former infantryman have great reservations about his enlistment and service.

1. He was a promotional target for the enemy.
2. He should have went in as an officer.
3. Any conflict he had with his team would already be labeled as some jerk being jealous of him. No matter what the truth may be.
4. His death would be high profile.

[melt]

Were there any Muslims in his unit?

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

Thanks--not trying to start or repeat rumors. Just needed clarification. The article put out nuggets of info, yet was not clear as to what part of his death they are investigating.

[Gondring]

The question isn't how he was killed, but the alleged coverup of it by destroying the evidence (burning his body armor and uniform). As you said, 5.56/7.63, front/back, etc.

[ScreamingFist]

Actually, I think I remember reading it was a .50 cal round to the head.

I have no idea....and I don't want to know.

[mystery-ak]

Fox just reported that the charge will be negligent homicide....it looks like the Rangers whi fired on Tillman, by mistake will be charged.......

[FlingWingFlyer]

They can do all the "probing" they want. The result is going to be the same. Anyone who has ever been in the military and has read the after action report knows that this was another typical, Army SNAFU. Nothing "criminal" about it but it gives the JAG guys and gals something to do.

[rintense]

How horrible would this be.

[JavaTheHutt]

What is it with the military persecuting their own troops?

The MPs on the FOB I was stationed at in Iraq actually got out there radar guns at wrote sppeding tickets for violating a 15mph on base speed limit. They even chased down one of our ambulances carrying wounded soldiers to the battalion aid station and wrote the driver a ticket.

[JavaTheHutt]

The death of Pat Tillman was a terrible loss for this country.

Not anymore of a loss than the death of any other one of our service members serving in the GWOT.

[Doe Eyes]

What is it with the military persecuting their own troops?

Is there anyone who could put an end to this?

[ArtyFO]

This could get even worse. Pat's brother was in the SAME PLATOON as he was when he was killed. I'm sure the Army has identified the weapon that killed Pat. Originally, the Army ruled the death as "fratricide". What if it really was fratricide?