Marine Didn't Suspect Haditha Wrongdoing (Report: Marine Says Haditha Not Unusual )

Las Vegas Sun ^ | 19 Aug 06

[xzins]

Marine Didn't Suspect Haditha Wrongdoing

ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Marine officer in charge of troops suspected of killing 24 Iraqi men, women and children told investigators he did not initiate an inquiry into the carnage because he did not consider the deaths unusual, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

In a sworn statement given to military investigators in March, Lt. Col. Jeffrey R. Chessani said: "I thought it was very sad, very unfortunate, but at the time, I did not suspect any wrongdoing from my Marines." Chessani was commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Marines.

"I did not have any reason to believe that this was anything other than combat action," he added.

The Post said it obtained a copy of Chessani's statement.

Reached by telephone late Friday, Marine Lt. Col. Sean Gibson, a spokesman on the Haditha case, said he had not seen the report and could not comment.

The Marine Corps has been investigating whether its troops deliberately killed the Iraqis in Haditha. The Marines also are looking into whether efforts were made to cover up the incident. Initially, the Marine Corps reported that 15 Iraqis had died in a roadside bombing or were caught in crossfire between Marines and insurgents. Survivors of the encounter and human rights groups, however, claimed that 24 Iraqi civilians had been deliberately shot to death by Marines.

The New York Times reported Thursday that military investigators have concluded that the Marines destroyed or withheld evidence.

No charges have been brought in the Haditha killings, and the official results of the Marine investigation have not been released. Chessani, who has been relieved of his duties, has not spoken publicly about the incident.

According to the Post, Chessani's statement was provided by a source "sympathetic" to the Marines involved in the case. The incident occurred in a dangerous area where insurgent attacks were common.

Because attacks were so common, Chessani told investigators he saw the incident as part of a "complex attack" staged by the enemy, according to the newspaper. "I did not see any cause for alarm," he said.

The Haditha case is among recent cases of alleged atrocities against Iraqi civilians. Five soldiers and a former solider have been charged with raping and killing a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and killing her relatives in Mahmoudiya. Seven Marines and one Navy corpsman have been charged with premeditated murder in connection with the killing of an Iraqi man in Hamdania on April 26.

[xzins]

According to the Post, Chessani's statement was provided by a source "sympathetic" to the Marines involved in the case. The incident occurred in a dangerous area where insurgent attacks were common.

Because attacks were so common, Chessani told investigators he saw the incident as part of a "complex attack" staged by the enemy, according to the newspaper. "I did not see any cause for alarm," he said.

"A part of a complex attack" makes perfect sense to me. This Marine Battalion Commander has been irreparably injured by Murtha as well. This incident will ruin his career, imho, and ensure that he never advances.

To even get looked at for battalion command means that you're among the best of the best.

I heard the lawyer for the SSG on TV last night, and his explanation of events was entirely credible. He said that the ROE called for them to clear rooms by first rolling in a grenade, and then entering in a four stack spraying rounds throughout the room.

The real culprits are the terrorists who shot from behind civilians. And since these terrorists dress as civilians, there's no telling how many of the "civilians" were or were not aiding/abetting the terrorists.

If you give away "free shots" to your enemy, then it is you who will die and not them.

That is one immoral thing a soldier can do to himself and his family....not defend himself.

[xzins]

ping to article

[stm]

In a related story, John Murtha is still a traitor and a disgrace to the uniform he once wore.

[tflabo]

This Marine Battalion Commander has been irreparably injured by Murtha as well. This incident will ruin his career, imho,

Yeh....its a shame but many patriotic voters are getting ready to ruin/end Murtha's lame career as well.

[digger48]

Survivors of the encounter and human rights groups, however, claimed that 24 Iraqi civilians had been deliberately shot to death by Marines.

An important piece of this puzzle to remember.

[xzins]

I doubt the "human rights groups" were witnesses.

And there's reason to doubt the word of "survivors."

There is only one question that is relevant in my tiny little brain, and that is this: "After the IED went off, did these Marines receive fire or did they not?"

Answer that question and you answer this entire case.

The Marines say that they did.

[rawcatslyentist]

Well did the rate of IED ambushes decrease in this neighborhood for awhile after this?
Hopefully so!

Our troops are NOT meant to be targets at an allah you can kill slime buffett!

We shoot back!!!!

[tflabo]

http://michellemalkin.com/archives/005385.htm

Free the Pendleton 8... link

[jazusamo]

"After the IED went off, did these Marines receive fire or did they not?"

Answer that question and you answer this entire case.

The Marines say that they did.

Exactly! And to emphasize how inept and inaccurate the initial statements of Jack Murtha were, he stated there was no IED that went off at the onset of this engagement.

I am very interested to know the motives for Murtha to have come out with the statement that these Marines are guilty of "cold blooded murder."

[marron]

The "human rights group" referenced here is one individual, sometimes also referred to as a rookie journalist which implies that he is a kid when he is in his forties.

He lived across the street from the event, supposedly witnessed the whole thing from his rooftop but did not bother to film any of it until the following day, after the bodies had been moved.

Another "journalist" at the scene either during or right after also failed to take any photos during or after the battle.

Both of these two "journalists" (and one-man-human-rights-group) are connected to the insurgents, as is the medical examiner who is one of the complainants. And none of them said anything for months after the incident.

This is why I am inclined to think its a hoax. A tragic hoax, for the people who died, but a hoax.

[xzins]

My take on Murtha's motive and his "conversion" to a Moveon.org, anti-solider legislator is that he had to make a trade with the whacko democrats for their help in preventing corruption charges involving his funneling kickback defense contracts to his brother.

[xzins]

We better shoot back.

NO FREE SHOTS!

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Now that makes sense, and would be something Moveon.Org would pull!

[river rat]

"Survivors of the encounter and human rights groups, however, claimed that 24 Iraqi civilians had been deliberately shot to death by Marines. "
"An important piece of this puzzle to remember."

Why?

Regardless of WHO said it -- Almost EVERYONE killed by Marines are DELIBERATELY killed.
Marines kill those they INTEND to kill.

Unless it can be PROVED by a credible non Muslim witness, or forensic evidence that KNOWN noncombatants were killed in violation of ROE in force at the time - there is NOTHING criminal about the Marine's behavior in this case.

I have heard of NEITHER a credible witness or forensic evidence against these Marines or their Corpsman.
Nor has it been credibly reported that the Marines violated their ROE at anytime during the engagement.
If fact - I don't think there have even been any charges filed against them.

To date - this is still no more than a media kangaroo court, with Murtha as the chief shit slinger.
He will end up with most of it in his face.

QUESTION: Where is all the "interest" or "outrage" over the routine mutilation, dismemberment or defiling of "innocents" by the Islamonazis in the world?

Does ignoring the ROUTINE violation of civility by Muslims, mean mainstream media EXPECTES and ACCEPTS this behavior from the enemy?

Semper Fi

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

fyi

[jazusamo]

You make a good point Chaplin. I believe that's a strong possibility and if true would reflect his lack of integrity in past events in his career.

[NormsRevenge]

http://www.irey.com/



HELP

http://www.bootmurtha.com/


Smart kid.


Hayden Malloy, 3, shies away from U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Pa., left, as he enters a campaign stop for Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell in Carrolltown, Pa. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006. A Marine Corps sergeant under investigation in connection with the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha is accusing Rep. John P. Murtha of defaming him in public comments about the case. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

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Help the 'Pendleton 8' and their families.

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Charity for the Pendleton 8. Click here. Paypal Available!! For every donation of $20, the doner will receive a free T-shirt to help spread the news of these brave Americans. Be sure to include your size of MEdium, Large, X-Large or XX-Large. Click on the T-shirts for a direct link to PAYPAL.
PAYPAL VERIFIED ACCOUNT

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The 'Pendleton 8': A look at the 7 Marines and Navy corpsman charged in Hamdania incident
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670877/posts

VIDEO-Camp Pendleton demonstration for Marines
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1655852/posts

Marine families wait and worry; (Frustrations, anger expressed by relatives of Pendleton 8)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1671948/posts

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Attorney: Col. visited ‘Pendleton 8’ before announcing charges
Navy Times article - 07/28/06

Accused troops' supporters busy fundraising - Hamdaniya / 'Pendleton 8' defense funds ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1654104/posts

Dozens rally at Camp Pendleton gates(24 June 2006) ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1655341/posts

Military justice under spotlight in Hamdania case - 'Pendleton 8' - 7 Marines, 1 Navy Corpsman ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1655333/posts

Lawyers for Marines, medic plan counterattack in Iraq murder case - Hamdaniya - 'Pendleton 8' ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1656712/posts

FREE REPUBLIC EXCLUSIVE: DIRECT INFORMATION ON THE 7 MARINES AND SAILOR HELD FOR MURDER
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1659084/posts

Defending the accused: Many attorneys in Hamdania case practiced law .. in military - 'Pendleton 8'
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1659351/posts

Letter reportedly from accused servicemen expresses thanks(Camp Pendleton 8)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1660140/posts

Delay is likely for (Camp)Pendleton(8) hearings
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1668925/posts

Attorneys for accused troops say Marine Corps hampering defenses
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1669976/posts

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Some of the familes and supporters of the 7 Hamdaniya Marines & a Navy Corpsman, now charged with multiple criminal offenses, have setup web sites for use in accepting donations for legal defense funds or sending notes of encouragement and support to the detainees and their families.

Cpl. Robert Pennington
http://www.defendrob.com

PFC John Jodka
http://www.innocentmarine.com

Tyler Jackson
http://www.fightingfortyler.com

Cpl. Marshall Magincalda
http://www.defendourmarine.com

Cpl. Trent Thomas
http://www.defensefundformyhero.com

Lance Cpl Jerry Shumate
http://friendsofjerry.blogspot.com/


Hospital Corpsman Third Class Melson J. Bacos
http://patriotdefensefund.com/


Other sites supporting the men:

http://www.defendthetruth.com

http://www.warrior-fund.org

If your financial situation permits, please help as you can to cover legal representation costs.

Thanks!

[jazusamo]

You are correct, no charges have been filed to date.

Also, the first investigation has been completed for weeks in regards to the possible coverup and it was found there was no coverup.

[SandRat]

PING

[mountainlyons]

The Marine Battalion Commander will be the next senator form his state in the shoes of John Hanoi kerry.