Redstate

By streiff Posted in War — Comments (3) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

We've been following the ongoing investigations into what is increasingly looking like specious allegations of murder committed by US Marines in Haditha, Iraq. Allegations that were instigated by a TIME reporter who might well have known the allegations were questionable when he made them. (Previous coverage here | here | here | here).

Another nail was driven into the coffin of this case yesterday when the investigating officer recommend charges be dismissed against Lance Corporal Stephen B. Tatum. The full report of investigation is downloadable here.

Read on.

This is the score to date:.
Marine Staff Sgt. Frank D. Wuterich is charged with unpremeditated murder, soliciting another to commit an offense and making a false official statement.

Marine Sgt. Sanick P. Dela Cruz was charged with five counts of murder and one charge of a false official statement. Charges dropped in exchange for immunity

Marine Lance Cpl. Stephen B. Tatum is charged with murder, negligent homicide and assault. Charges recommended to be dismissed.

Marine Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt is charged with three counts of murder. Charges dismissed

Marine Lt. Col. Jeffrey R. Chessani, the commander of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, was charged with three counts of violation of a lawful order and dereliction of duty. Trial recommended

Marine Capt. Lucas M. McConnell has been charged with dereliction of duty. Hearing pending.

Marine Capt. Randy W. Stone was charged with failure to follow a lawful order and dereliction of duty. Charges dismissed

Marine 1st Lt. Andrew A. Grayson is charged with dereliction of duty, making a false official statement and obstructing justice. Hearing pending though there is a question of jurisdiction as LT Grayson was not charged until after he had separated from the USMC.