Charges dropped against Marine in Haditha killings

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Charges dropped against Marine in Haditha killings

19 minutes ago

CAMP PENDLETON, California (Reuters) - Charges have been
dropped against one of the eight U.S. Marines accused in the
killing of 24 Iraqi civilians in the town of Haditha and he has
been granted immunity for his testimony, the Marine Corps
said on Tuesday.

One count each of premeditated murder and making a false
report against Sgt. Sanick Dela Cruz, 24, were dismissed,
the Marines said.

"Charges against him were dismissed on April 2 after the
government balanced his low level of culpability in the alleged
crime against the potential value of his testimony," a Marine
Corps statement said.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070417/us_nm/usa_haditha_marine_dc_2

[acmavm]

1. They couldn't have offered a reduction in the charges? They had

to let the guy off? Why? I would think there would be a lot of things to do to get his testimony before letting him off. That was a HEINOUS crime.

[ET Awful]

2. Probably the only way they could get his testimony against the rest.

Not entirely uncommon in criminal proceedings (military or otherwise).

It is very odd in a murder case to do this, but his testimony could very well be the deciding factor in the prosecution of the others in this case.

[Barrett808]

3. k & r