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August 09, 2007
Charges Against Cpl. Sharrat Dropped in Haditha Case
Congratulations!
Marine's Charges Dropped in Iraq Deaths
LOS ANGELES (AP) - A general dropped all charges Thursday against a Marine who had been accused of killing three Iraqi brothers in response to a roadside bomb attack in Haditha in 2005.
"The evidence does not support a referral to a court-martial," Lt. Gen. James Mattis wrote in his written decision.
Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt, 22, had been charged with the murder in the deaths of three of those killed after the bomb attack Nov. 19, 2005.
The decision to drop the charges followed an earlier recommendation from a hearing officer who listened to evidence in the case. Under military law, a commanding general has total jurisdiction over a case.
In his recommendation, Lt. Col. Paul Ware said murder charges brought against Sharratt were based on unreliable witness accounts, poor forensic evidence and questionable legal theories.
"The government version is unsupported by independent evidence," Ware wrote in an 18-page report. "To believe the government version of facts is to disregard clear and convincing evidence to the contrary."
And more here................ (AP) Charges Against Cpl. Sharrat Dropped in Haditha Case The Marine Corps has dropped all charges against a captain accused of failing to investigate the deaths of 24 civilians and another Marine accused in some of the killings, the Corps announced Thursday.
Capt. Randy W. Stone, 35, a battalion lawyer from Dunkirk, Md., was one of four officers charged with failing to adequately probe the killings.
"It is clear to me that any error of omission or commission by Capt. Stone does not warrant action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice," Lt. Gen. James Mattis wrote.
The Corps also announced that charges had been dismissed against Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt, who was accused of murdering three brothers in the assault that followed a deadly roadside bombing of U.S. troops.
The decision to drop the charges against Sharratt followed an earlier recommendation from Lt. Col. Paul Ware, a hearing officer.
"The government version is unsupported by independent evidence," Ware wrote. "To believe the government version of facts is to disregard clear and convincing evidence to the contrary."
Prosecutors alleged Sharratt and other members of his battalion engaged in a revenge-motivated assault on Iraqi civilians after a roadside bomb killed a fellow Marine. Sharratt contended the Iraqi men he confronted were insurgents and at least one was holding an AK-47 rifle when he fired at them.
Ware said prosecution of Sharratt could set a "dangerous precedent that ... may encourage others to bear false witness against Marines as a tactic to erode public support of the Marine Corps and its mission in Iraq."
"Even more dangerous is the potential that a Marine may hesitate at the critical moment when facing the enemy," Ware said.
Besides Sharratt, two other enlisted men were charged with murder. Four officers, including Stone, were accused of failing to investigate the deaths.
Wild Thing's comment........
A great big WOO-HOO! Congratulations Justin and the entire Sharratt family. Myheart is singing! Now to exonerate the rest and sack Murtha!
A defamation lawsuit was filed against Murtha on behalf of SSgt Wuterich. The Department of Justice is shielding Murtha with the claim that he was doing his duty as a congressman.” How about the Department of Defense shielding these Marines “with the claim that (they)he was doing his duty” as Marines!!!!!!Thank God, these Marines had their charges dismissed, now we pray that the rest will meet the same thing of CHARGES DISMISSED!!!!
Paging John Murtha, paging John Murtha....
Rep. Murtha, we are still waiting for your profuse apologies, which can never be sufficient for the slanders that poured forth from your vile mouth.
Rep. Murtha, we are waiting for you to resign in shame and disgrace. We know that Demagogues are shameless and indecent, but maybe now you can begin to express your shame and regrets for your dishonest and appalling misconduct.
Posted by Wild Thing at August 9, 2007 02:27 PM
Comments
Fantastic News!!!
Posted by: BobF at August 9, 2007 05:04 PM
When Murtha made those comments they were just too convenient. Sounds to me where ever Murtha, aka, 'The dirt-bag' from Pennsylvania', got that information that someone had a huge axe to grind and they didn't care if these Marines were guilty or not. The sad part is the Son of a bitch will not be held accountable.
I doubt Murtha will ever apologise for the damning statements he made, and the careers that were probably ruined because of what he said. The accused Marines and their families certainly deserve at least that much. But Murtha the shitbird that he is will run and hide until it is all over, then, when it is safe will mumble something and the media will applaud him.
What scum our politicians are.
We know the truth.
Posted by: Mark at August 9, 2007 06:12 PM
This is wonderful news!
His family must be enormously relieved.
Bless the Lord.
Posted by: Lynn at August 9, 2007 08:06 PM
Great news!
Posted by: raz0r at August 9, 2007 09:40 PM
The statements made by Murtha will forever hound those men just like the statements made by another treasonous SOB by the name of John F. Kerry have hounded and sullied the honor of all honest Vietnam Veterans. This is wonderful news WT , but I'll not rejoice until all my innocent fellow Americans are exonerated of dubious charges. Those two bastards Murtha amd Kerry will get no more of an accounting for their actions than that dishonest liar who caused the persecution of the Duke LaCross players, they've been elevated to celebrity status for their lying and injustice. As Mark said 'we know the truth'. 'spit'
Posted by: Jack at August 9, 2007 10:13 PM
Damn Murtha and the news media for jumping all over that phony massacre story. And the Marine Corps itsself did not exactly shine as it treated those Marines with less respect than the Gitmo terrorists get. A lot of heads should roll, but as others here have stated, the big non-event will take place and all will be forgotten.
It would be fitting if one of those Marines was able to run for Murtha's House seat.
Posted by: TomR at August 9, 2007 11:09 PM
Bob, yes and now hopefully the others as well.
Posted by: Wild Thing at August 9, 2007 11:40 PM
Mark what you mentioned is something we have never been told. You brought up something very important, Murtha never said who his sources were, just that he had been given information. He sure gets away with a lot of stuff without having to answer for it to anyone.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Posted by: Wild Thing at August 9, 2007 11:42 PM
Lynn yes thank God. So many people have been praying for these Marines and their families.
Posted by: Wild Thing at August 9, 2007 11:43 PM
razOr it sure is, I have been trying to keep track of this trial from the start. It is a good day.
Posted by: Wild Thing at August 9, 2007 11:44 PM
Jack yes we sure do know the truth. I will never ever stop feeling how I do about Kerry, Fonda, Murtha. Never ever.
Posted by: Wild Thing at August 9, 2007 11:53 PM
... the few, the proud - the MARINES! Now I know why Leathernecks and Devil Dogs guard Heaven's Gates! Murtha will get his justice in the end when he faces God and is told to go to the LEFT - the side of judgement with his fellow goats!
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at August 9, 2007 11:53 PM
Tom that would be so perfect if that could happen.
Murtha needs to be punished.
Posted by: Wild Thing at August 9, 2007 11:55 PM
