Investigator: Drop Marine's Haditha murder charges

AP ^ | July 10, 2007 | AP

[freema]

SAN DIEGO, California (AP) -- An investigating officer has recommended dismissing murder charges against a Marine accused in the slayings of three Iraqi men in a squad action that killed 24 civilians in Haditha, according to a report released Tuesday.

The government's theory that Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt had executed the three men was "incredible" and relied on contradictory statements by Iraqis, Lt. Col. Paul Ware said in the report, released by Sharratt's defense attorneys.

"To believe the government version of facts is to disregard clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, and sets a dangerous precedent that, in my opinion, may encourage others to bear false witness against Marines as a tactic to erode public support of the Marine Corps and mission in Iraq," Ware wrote.

Defense attorneys James Culp and Gary Myers in a statement welcomed the report and said it "reflected the value of the calm of a courtroom and the adversarial process."

Sharratt's mother Theresa said she was overjoyed.

[Marine_Uncle]

Murtha will never apologize to anyone. He is above everyone. After all his pockets are lined with gold and feels he can do no wrong. Filth bags like him and Durbin simply slip into the shadows when their utterances make them look like *ssholes.
Then come back once the heat is off. That is what they learn to do as politicians. No honor, no respect, just get comfy jobs ruling over the lame, the halt, the blind.

[smoothsailing]

It's been a wonderful day, Ma, but we still have much to do. I'll cherish this day, and work and pray for more.

[Girlene]

Good roundup, freema. Thankyou, Redrover, for reminding all of us how this whole case started. The sacrifice of one Marine.

[PGalt]

:) BTTT!

[4woodenboats]

Awesome tagline, Cindie! Did you get it made into a bumper sticker?

[tcrlaf]

Murtha MUST be called to RESIGN, and account for his actions...

This liberal piece of shiite LIED about the Marines of Haditha, and believed NBC’s KNOWN Terrorist version of events over America’s Best and Brightest, because it helped the Democrats short-term political goals.

An apology won’t do...
He KNOWINGLY spread Enemy propoganda in a time of WAR!

[gardencatz]

It’s actually 2 bumper stickers cobbled together.

Cindie

[freema]

I’ll bump that!

[Semper Fi Mom]

“Wonderful news” - what great news about Justin. I am elated! I could hardly read the paper this morning for the tears dropping on it. Kudos to Lt. Col. Ware for being brave enough to stand up for what is right! Let’s pray that Gen. Mattis can see the writing on the wall! All of our Marines should be exonerated - enough is enough!

[freema]

May it be so for all.