Fifth Stryker soldier in Afghan killing case faces trial

[unhappycamper]

Fifth Stryker soldier in Afghan killing case faces trial
By Adam Ashton | The (Tacoma) News Tribune
Posted on Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Army will prosecute the fifth and final member of a group of Stryker soldiers who allegedly murdered Afghan civilians during patrols last year, despite an investigation that cited weaknesses in the case against the soldier.

Monday’s announcement is a setback for Spc. Michael Wagnon, 30, who is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. His family had hoped the Army would dismiss charges against him after an investigating officer reviewed the case in November and reported there was little evidence against him.

That report went to Lt. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, the senior general at Lewis-McChord, who determined the Army has enough evidence to proceed with a court-martial.

Wagnon will face charges that he murdered an Afghan civilian during a February patrol, shot at unarmed Afghans in March and participated in conspiracies to harm Afghans. He could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.

~snip~

Wagnon is one of 12 soldiers in the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division accused of misconduct at Forward Operating Base Ramrod in southern Afghanistan last year. Three soldiers in the group have already pleaded guilty to crimes during the deployment and agreed to testify against their codefendants.

[elias49]

1. He belongs in a zoo with the other animals. nt

[DCKit]

2. Prolly just following orders. nt

Any of the higher-ups taking heat for "not knowing" what was going on in their own command?

Didn't think so.