Guardsman Says He Shot Iraqi Cop in Self-Defense, Admits Shooting Himself

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBXJ46C39E.html

FORT KNOX, Ky. (AP) - An Indiana National Guard soldier charged with murdering an Iraqi police officer said Monday that he shot the man in self-defense after the officer pointed a gun at him to stop him from reporting insurgent activity.

Cpl. Dustin Berg, 22, also admitted shooting himself after killing the Iraqi, explaining that he picked up the man's rifle and wounded himself in the abdomen to give the impression of a firefight and preclude an investigation into the officer's death.

"I thought I was going to die," Berg testified during a hearing at Fort Knox. "I felt I had no choice but to fear for my life."

The Article 32 hearing - the military equivalent of a grand jury - was to decide if Berg will face charges of shooting himself and lying about it. The hearing officer will later recommend to the Fort Knox commander whether Berg should face additional charges.

A court martial on the murder charge was scheduled for July 25.

[billyoc]

1. This should help the recruiting effort. n/t