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    Marine convicted in Iraq killings leaves service

    By JULIE WATSON | Associated Press – Tue, Feb 21, 2012

    SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Marine Corps has discharged the lone Marine convicted in the 2005 killings of unarmed Iraqi civilians in the town of Haditha, a spokesman said Tuesday.

    Former Sgt. Frank Wuterich ended his service Friday, said Marine Corps spokesman Lt. Col. Joseph Kloppel.

    Wuterich's attorney, Neal Puckett, said in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that the Corps gave him a general discharge under honorable conditions — one step below an honorable discharge.

    Wuterich had his rank reduced to private as part of a plea deal that abruptly ended his manslaughter court martial last month at Camp Pendleton and spared him imprisonment.

    The 31-year-old father of two pleaded guilty to negligent dereliction of duty as the leader of the squad that killed 24 Iraqis after a roadside bomb exploded in the town, killing a fellow Marine and wounding two other Marines.

    After reaching the deal, Wuterich apologized for the loss of life but said his squad did not behave badly or dishonorably. He also defended his order to raid homes in Haditha because he believed his squad was under attack. He acknowledged he instructed his men to "shoot first, ask questions later."

    His case ended a six-year prosecution that failed to win any manslaughter convictions in one of the worst attacks on Iraqi civilians by U.S. troops during nine years of war. Eight Marines were initially charged in the case. One was acquitted and six others had their cases dropped.

    The outcome of the case sparked outrage in Iraq and the government there has said it will take legal action to ensure justice for the families of the victims. But officials did not give specifics and it was unclear what action could be taken.

    Wuterich, who is originally from Meriden, Conn., was forced to stay in the military until his case was resolved. Puckett said he is looking for a job in information technology. He lives with his two daughters in Southern California.

    Wuterich could not be reached for comment by The Associated Press. Puckett said his client was not making public statements on his leaving the service.

     

    10 comments

    • Denise B
      Denise B  •  Henderson, Texas  •  3 mths ago
      Have you ever been over there? Have you ever had any group try to kill you while you were asleep within the confines of the base? No? What about on a convoy? No? Hmm!! Then I guess you have never been shot at while on patrol either??? No? Then you have no room to judge any one who's boots you have never filled.
      • garyf
        garyf 3 mths ago
        Right on, as a vet I can absolutely agree with you.
    • Matthew
      Matthew  •  3 mths ago
      I'll hire him.
    • George
      George  •  Houston, Texas  •  3 mths ago
      It is easy to criticize and judge from our comfortable arm chairs when we are not in the heat and fear of battle. What thankless, disrespectful arrogance!
    • bob
      bob  •  Russellville, Arkansas  •  3 mths ago
      any bloggers that are throwing stones at this marine can blow a goat. i am a veteran and if you dont like it , kiss my #$%$
      • k
        k 3 mths ago
        good one!!!!!!! you showed them
    • bob
      bob  •  Russellville, Arkansas  •  3 mths ago
      semper fi hereo!!! god be with you in your next endeavor. be proud of your service to your country. im sorry for all the biased media attention and what you had to go through. you are a hero.
      • k
        k 3 mths ago
        the ability to read makes one a hero in arkansas
    • k
      k  •  Milwaukee, Wisconsin  •  3 mths ago
      God says killing unarmed defensless people is ok as long as you are defending freedom give me a break
      • Monte
        Monte 3 mths ago
        Sounds like you would be happier living in Iraq...perhaps we could take up a collection to buy you a ticket!
      • k
        k 3 mths ago
        good one , and you are correct, killing unarmed people is both moral and ethical
      • k
        k 3 mths ago
        must be a christian
    • k
      k  •  Milwaukee, Wisconsin  •  3 mths ago
      another murderer walks free
      • USSwisconsin64
        USSwisconsin64 3 mths ago
        he did more in his life then you ever will so can it!!
      • k
        k 3 mths ago
        nope hes a murderer, thats what you call someone who kills someone who is unarmed, but you are right God thinks murder is ok as long it is i the defense of freedom
      • Monte
        Monte 3 mths ago
        You are a #$%$ When IEDs are blowing up around you and you are being shot at what your suppose to call time out and check to see who is armed and who is not? If the civilians choose to live with and protect the enemy getting killed by mistake is the chance they take.
    • k
      k  •  Milwaukee, Wisconsin  •  3 mths ago
      they should free those marines who raped the 14 year old because they were in a war zone
    • k
      k  •  Milwaukee, Wisconsin  •  3 mths ago
      enjoy hell murderer
    • charlie
      charlie  •  Winter Haven, Florida  •  3 mths ago
      Murder 24 innocent Iraqi and you get discharged free and clear... alert the world to war crimes by talking to Wikileaks and get threatened with the death penalty.
     Post a comment
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