[SWEET OLD BILL]

I think the pattern here is similar to Watergate: the actual crime won't yield a conviction but the "cover-up" is the event that will be played up to the hilt.
The Marines have been unable to exhume the bodies, which would prove or disprove guilt and they have the weapons in question, so they could prove or disprove whether the Marines in question actually shot the "civilians" at close range exaction style. As of now, there is no "hard evidence" to show a crime. The only evidence is testimony from people who are hostile to the American military. I don't think there is or will ever be enough evidence to convict these Marines in this case.
On the other hand, there is evidence that the official reports were not correct and that may yield a conviction of certain officers in the chain of command for a cover up. That's the only chance the MSM has to get a conviction and you can see that in the most recent reports which are emphasizing the cover up of this event.
Sort of sounds like Scooter Libby being charged with covering up (lying) a crime that was not committed.
You should also be aware that the Muslim version of a court system places more emphasis on witness testimony rather that physical evidence. So it is possible that a trail in Iraq by the Iraq government will yield a conviction where the Marines would be found not guilty in America. It is a different form of trial system in Iraq.
Pray for the troops! Especially the Marines in this case.

[Ole Okie]

Hey, SWEET OLD BILL, that's my name too!!

Yessir, SOB, you is done went and stole my name.

And since Saturday will be my 80th birthday, I'll bet I've had that name longer nor you.

signed/SOB

:^)

[El Gato]

The Marines have been unable to exhume the bodies, which would prove or disprove guilt and they have the weapons in question

Maybe not, nothing says the Jihadies might not have a few M-16s or AR-15s (or anything else that fires the 5.56 NATO round), and it's very difficult to match high speed rifle bullets to the weapon which fired them, as can usually be done with pistol bullets.