Trial date issues voiced in Iraq rape-slaying

[unhappycamper]

Trial date issues voiced in Iraq rape-slaying
By Ryan Lenz - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Dec 13, 2007 19:32:35 EST

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Defense attorneys for a former U.S. soldier accused of raping a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and killing her and her family argued in a motion filed Thursday for more time to prepare an adequate defense.

Attorneys for Steven D. Green asked for a trial date no earlier than April 2009 “to ensure that both the United States and the defense can be adequately prepared” for the trial, according to the motion.

Federal prosecutors have asked for an Aug. 4, 2008, trial date for Green, a former 101st Airborne Division private charged with rape and murder in the March 2006 attack in Mahmoudiya, a village 20 miles south of Baghdad in the heart of the country’s “Triangle of Death.”

The motion by Green’s attorneys said they need more time to locate and interview witnesses, do background investigations and analyze information.

A judge was scheduled to hear arguments in a hearing later Thursday.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_iraqrape_071213/