Soldier’s pardon plea rejected

[unhappycamper]

Army Sgt. Evan Vela waits for the verdict in his case outside the courthouse in Camp Liberty in Baghdad on Feb. 10, 2008. Vela was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of an Iraqi civilian.


Soldier’s pardon plea rejected
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jan 21, 2009 17:35:02 EST

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — An Idaho soldier convicted of killing an unarmed Iraqi, then planting an AK-47 rifle on the dead man’s body wasn’t pardoned by President George W. Bush during his final hours in office.

Evan Vela, a 24-year-old Army sniper, is serving 10 years in prison following his conviction in February.

Earlier this month, Bush aides told Vela’s family in eastern Idaho that their request for a pardon would be “seriously considered.”

Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson, both Republicans, said Wednesday they were disappointed Bush didn’t include Vela on his pardon and commutation list.

The lawmakers pushed for clemency, including a phone call from Crapo to Bush last weekend asking for additional consideration.


Article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_soldier_pardon_denied_012109w/%2e