URGENT
Corps drops charges against lieutenant accused of murder
Eds: ADDS background, detail
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (AP) — A Marine Corps general dismissed all charges Thursday against a lieutenant accused of the murder of two Iraqis, the military announced.
The decision of Maj. Gen. Richard Huck, commander of the 2nd Marine Division, ends the prosecution 2nd Lt. Ilario Pantano.
“The best interests of 2nd Lt. Pantano and the government have been served by this process,” the Marine Corps said in a statement.
Military officials accused Pantano of premeditated murder for what they maintain was the unjustified killing of two suspected Iraqi insurgents in 2004, near Mahmudiyah.
Prosecutors alleged Pantano intended to make an example of the two detainees by shooting them 60 times and hanging a sign over their bodies — “No better friend, no worse enemy,” a Marine slogan.
Pantano contended he acted in self-defense.
An investigating officer concluded in a report to Huck that murder charges should be dropped against Pantano, a former Wall Street trader who rejoined the Marines after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Good!
This guy is a hero!
We should be holding him up as an example of what the American military is all about!
Great news. Michael Savage was the only national talk host who gave this guy any attention.
Good news.
Thank God! There IS some semblance of sanity left in this world. With any luck this will start a chain reaction of common sense.
Good news!
That is such great news!!! G-d bless America and the Marines (not to mention all other services). Now where does Pantano go to get his reputation back?
Good news. Now Dr Savage can get off on something else.
(Boy, is he gloomy!)
ALRIGHT!
2nd Lt. Pantano deserves a medal for putting up with this garbage. You can bet the ACLU is not finished with this poor man.
OUTSTANDING NEWS!!!
Pantano v. Hillary for NY Senate.
Wonderful news.
Any details on what really happened??
Excellent news!