The Haditha Marines-The Squad Leader-A Final Chapter (SSgt Wuterich-Master Thread)

1-2-2012

[smoothsailing]

January 2, 2012

The Haditha Marines-The Squad Leader-A Final Chapter

It certainly seems appropriate that the last defendant in the Haditha case is the squad leader, SSgt Frank Wuterich. Leaders take responsibility, and SSgt Wuterich has taken full responsibility for the actions of his squad in Haditha. His stance from the outset has remained clear:

"My Marines responded to the threats they faced in the manner that we all had been trained", he has steadfastly maintained. "I will bear the memory of the events of that day forever, and will always mourn the unfortunate deaths of the innocent Iraqis who were killed during our response to the attack."

As the last Marine originally charged in the deaths of Iraqis in Haditha, Iraq in 2005, SSgt Wuterich will be seated at the defense table in his general court-martial two days from now, Wednesday, January 4th. Barring last minute motions or outright dismissal of charges, jury selection will begin Wednesday or Thursday. SSgt. Wuterich will be tried by a jury of combat-experienced Marines, and the panel will include at least two Marines from the enlisted ranks.

Much has been written over the last six years about Haditha, and links to some of the most recent news articles and commentaries are included at the bottom of this post to help bring readers up to date. For older Free Republic postings, please use this link or enter the keyword Haditha in the Free Republic search engine.

The purpose of this Free Republic thread is to serve as a "Master Post" where trial news and updates can be brought together in one place for easy reference by those interested in following the proceedings as they unfold.

Freepers Smoothsailing, Red Rover, and Jazusamo will monitor the thread, post updates, and attempt to answer questions or direct readers to information sources. Jazusamo maintains the Haditha Marine Ping List. Please ask Jazusamo to be added to the ping list if you wish to be alerted to updates.

Recent News and Commentary:

MILITARY TIMES-Haditha Marine Faces Trial

Count Down to the Last Haditha Trial

MILITARY: Two high-profile cases set for Pendleton courtrooms

Remember SSgt Frank D. Wuterich: The last Haditha Marine goes on trial

Don’t rewrite Murtha’s legacy (Haditha Marines)

[Girlene]

Withstanding the pressures of the last six years since the Haditha incident hit the public air waves speaks volumes about SSgt Wuterich’s character. I doubt a lot of people could have done the same.

[Jemian]

Prayers are continuing. There is no reason for SSgt Wuterich to plea guilty to anything.

[Girlene]

Understood, xzins.

Your points are all valid and strong reasons why the defense has won this case already. It almost seems like the prosecution went into this court martial to exonerate SSgt Wuterich (go figure). I only pointed out the different background/experiences the jury may have. Hopefully, they will give SSgt Wuterich what he deserves. Not guilty verdict....period.

[xzins]

You are a class act, Girl. I’m honored to be your FRiend.

[RedRover]

No there isn’t. And he won’t take a deal unless all charges are totally dismissed and other conditions are met. He’s calling the shots.

[jazusamo]

Agreed, those are four huge facts and I don’t believe Puckett and Faraj will advise SSgt Wuterich to agree to anything that’s not in his best interest. Of course the decision is up to Wuterich but he’s withstood over these years what many could not have.

I believe it has been confirmed court resumes at 1300 hours today, PST. Praying that the prosecution folds its case.

[jazusamo]

It speaks volumes that SSgt Wuterich is no hurry to just take a deal

Amen to that, Red.

[Girlene]

Back at you, xzins. :-)

We’ll see what’s up the trial, shortly.

[smoothsailing]

>>>I believe it has been confirmed court resumes at 1300 hours today, PST. Praying that the prosecution folds its case.<<<

Confirmed by LA Times...

The trial was set to resume at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. But late Wednesday, that was delayed until 1 p.m. (PST)

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/01/marine-court-martial-to-resume-amid-indications-of-talk-of-plea-bargain.html

Also confirmed last night by our anonymous sources on the scene! :)

SET TO RESUME IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS.

[Girlene]

Thanks, smooth - 1300 hours PST (oops, I had assumed EST) From the article you posted:

......."The military judge, Lt. Col. David Jones, abruptly recessed the trial Wednesday afternoon, telling the lawyers to discuss "other options." He added he would be available for consultation."...........

[jazusamo]

Bump!

[Jemian]

Half an hour to go (I think). I’m praying for all charges to be dropped and for SSgt Wuterich be reinstated with back pay and commendations. And apologies. Groveling, groveling apologies.

[jazusamo]

I’m praying too, FRiend and I couldn’t agree more with you.

[RedRover]

Lots of press on hand today. Word is there’ll be a stipulation of settlement at 1pm...official decision tomorrow. Will try to post news ASAP.

[Girlene]

Thanks, Red.

[RedRover]

Nothing official until tomorrow morning at 8:30. Nat will have a story in maybe an hour.

[Jemian]

Thanks for keeping us informed.

[jazusamo]

Thanks Red, looking forward to Nat’s story.

[smoothsailing]

OK. Waiting for Nat.

[RedRover]

Nothing official until tomorrow morning at 8:30. Nat will have a story in maybe an hour.