Lone US Marine convicted in Iraq war crime case leaves service after being demoted in rank The USA Times

Police: Boy, 7, dies after being found by family member hanging from bunk bed in Detroit . Designers in 1st Soweto Fashion Week inspired by South African township's creativity, history . Iran rejects West's plan to curb nuclear program without cuts in sanctions against Tehran . UN panel claims evidence of illegal killings, torture by Syrian forces, armed opposition . UK economy contracted by greater than expected 0.3 per cent in first quarter . Officials: 2 dead after hours-long shootout in tense Lebanese capital . Syrian opposition council accepts resignation of its Paris-based leader . Around 400 people arrested as police round up demonstrators at Montreal march . AFN national chief Shawn Atleo to launch re-election bid . Quebec elections watchdog warns student groups: Respect spending rules .

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Lone US Marine convicted in Iraq war crime case leaves service after being demoted in rank

(AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

SAN DIEGO - The U.S. 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, Marine Corps spokesman Lt. Col. Joseph Kloppel said.

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

Wuterich had his rank reduced to private as part of a 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 his plea deal, Wuterich apologized for the loss of life but has said his squad did not behave badly or dishonourably. He also has 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 was forced to stay in the military until his case was resolved. He has said he wants a career 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.