Fragging trial testimony may begin this week

[unhappycamper]

Fragging trial testimony may begin this week
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Oct 21, 2008 5:48:07 EDT

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Testimony could begin this week in the North Carolina court-martial of a New York Army National Guard soldier charged with killing two officers in Iraq, a Fort Bragg spokeswoman said Monday.

Attorneys still were trying to choose at least three more members of a panel to hear the case against Staff Sgt. Alberto Martinez. Fort Bragg spokeswoman Sheri Crowe said court officials didn’t expect opening statements and testimony to begin until Wednesday at the earliest.

Martinez is the first soldier from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to be charged with killing his commanding officer, a crime known as “fragging.”

Jury selection started Oct. 7 and at least 14 must be chosen to hear the case. A statement from Fort Bragg Monday afternoon said six officers and five enlisted men have been selected. One-third of the 14 panelists must be enlisted.

Martinez faces the death penalty if convicted and has pleaded not guilty.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/ap_fragging_martinez_102008/%2e