Marine Charged With 13 Civilian Murder Counts (Haditha)

MSNBC ^ | 12/21/06

[areafiftyone]

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - A Marine Corps squad leader was charged Thursday with 13 murder counts stemming from the killings of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha last year, his attorney said.

Staff Sgt. Frank D. Wuterich was charged with 12 counts of murdering individuals and one count of murdering six people by ordering Marines under his charge to "shoot first and ask questions later" when they entered a house, according to charging sheets released by defense attorney Neal Puckett.

As many as eight Marines could be charged in the case, the biggest U.S. criminal case to emerge from the war in Iraq in terms of people killed.

The deaths occurred on Nov. 19, 2005.

Lawyers for two Marines already have said they expect their clients will be charged and it’s believed up to six others could join them.

[RedRover]

Pinging you to Pink's post 580 above. Details about charges.

[rocksblues]

So killing somebody with a pistol after being attacked and fired upon is now a crime.

I don't get it?

[Chickenhawk Warmonger]

"...advising the Marines under his charge, prior to the Marines' entry into House 1, to 'shoot first and ask questions later' or words to that effect. . . . ”

Or Words to that Effect??? You mean like "protect yourself and your comrades from getting killed". This is truly a travesty.

[smoothsailing]

IF 4 Marines wanted to kill 24 innocent civilians, it wouldn't take three hours to do it. It wouldn't take three minutes.

To take three hours, by definition, meant they were following the ROE. By definition, they were involved in a two-way fight.

What a crock.

[USMCPOP]

So, now we're going to try and hang someone for a poor choice of words, uttered under duress? Sounds to me more like a call to action by a motivated young Marine who was concerned about his men and the mission. I guess now we'll hear all kinds of testimony about the political correctness of this utterance. He probably said that because he was conditioned not to say F@&! them and the horse they rode in on, because of political correctness.

People need to get used to the fact that war is horrible, and things that are inherently unfair do occur. I am not making light of this incident, but what is, is. In a case of "asymmetrical" warfare, who is to say what is right? Was it fair or just that my son and three of his buddies were lost that night 2 years ago in Haqlaniyah? Who was driving that "civilian" ambulance that announced their arrival in town? How many locals just kept their heads down when 30 or more guys set up the ambush? At some point, there has to be some buy-in. Take a side, and die for what you believe in.

[freema]

Pinging you to Pink's post 580 above. Details about charges. ...and the ensuing comments below that.

I have no comment except to note the little FREAKEN DETAIL ABOUT THE FREAKEN GRENADE A.K.A. I.E.D.

[freema]

Then I'll say it. F@&! them and the horse they rode in on.

[Chickenhawk Warmonger]

USMCPOP - God Bless You. Thank you for raising a hero.

Don't forget about the "poor students in the taxi who just happened upon the IED attack". More likely triggermen for the IED or back up shooters to take on any survivors.

[RedRover]

F@&!ing right, ma.

[hosepipe]

Hmmmm some Jag officers are obviously enemys.. MOLES...
And should be.. "dealt with"...

A democrat Jag officer is very probably a traitor..
UNless he's stupid, but I'm being redundant..

[freema]

F@&!ing eh, Red.

[lilycicero]

You have my deepest respect USMCPOP...Thank you.

[jazusamo]

People need to get used to the fact that war is horrible, and things that are inherently unfair do occur.

You nailed it, USMCPOP. Our country asks these young men and women to risk everything for our country. Our country has to back them to the hilt in situations like this.

I thank both you and your son for your sacrifice. He and those men with him are heroes.

[RedRover]

A unit of Camp Pendleton Marines used automatic weapons, a pistol and a grenade to kill 24 civilians over three hours...

Note the four are charged with "unpremediated murder" of 24 "civilians". How do four boys spend three hours committing "unpremediated murder"? You're right, smooth. Complete crock.

[zip]

ping

[Marine_Uncle]

Has the juncture in time arrived whereby this forum with the aid of those of us that can dig up every General, Colonel, Major, Captain attached to every Division, Regiment, Battalion level on the east and west coast...
names, from unit web sites and other sources...
And have one of us draft a very serious letter that would be sent to every one of them. Their names listed to reference to, body of letter, and thank you in advance for any action their combined influence could have in getting this FUCKING MESS STRAIGHTENED OUT SOON.

Forgive me for the in-appropriate cuss word but this is very royally pissing me off as much as most of us at this point.
Could the a sworn statement laid at their feet that perhaps 70,000 plus Freepers want them to take some positive action have any effect in the outcome?

At least they would know those following these cases are very upset at how our Marines are being treated for what appears to be only political expediency and or appeasement to some jerk off Iraqi.
On a gentler note. Happy new years all, may you and yours experience a content, healthy new year.

[RedRover]

Happy New Year, Uncle! Justice will be done.

[jazusamo]

I believe there's a lot to be said for your suggestion.

Wishing you a Great New Year, MU.

[smoothsailing]

I understand your anger, Uncle, I share it.

And by the way....

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours...

[RedRover]

Well, at least you and I aren't the only two who are pissed off tonight! Night, jaz!