Guardsman testifies in Iraq fragging trial

[unhappycamper]

Guardsman testifies in Iraq fragging trial
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Oct 28, 2008 5:54:15 EDT

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A soldier who served with a New York National Guard sergeant accused of killing two officers with an explosive in Iraq testified Monday that the defendant was shaking and didn’t move after the fatal blast.

Former Staff Sgt. David Wentzel testified in the court-martial of Staff Sgt. Alberto Martinez, 41, of Troy, N.Y. Martinez is accused of detonating the Claymore anti-personnel mine at a Forward Operating Base Danger, a U.S. military base near Tikrit, on June 7, 2005.

Wentzel said he initially thought the two blasts that sent him running from the base’s shower trailer were mortars. Outside, he saw Martinez in the street. He was shaking and looking from side-to-side, Wentzel said. When Martinez didn’t dive for cover, Wentzel said he pulled him to safety.

Wentzel said Martinez got angry because he told investigators about the incident.

Martinez, of Troy, N.Y., is charged with premeditated murder in the deaths of Capt. Phillip Esposito and 1st Lt. Louis Allen. He has pleaded not guilty.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/ap_martinez_trial_102708/%2e