Trial of sgt. accused in killings set to begin

[unhappycamper]

Trial of sgt. accused in killings set to begin
By George Frey - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Feb 16, 2009 21:28:59 EST

VILSECK, Germany — A soldier will be court-martialed beginning Tuesday for his alleged involvement in killing four Iraqi prisoners, who were bound, blindfolded, shot in the head and dumped in a Baghdad canal in 2007.

Sgt. Michael Leahy Jr., 26, of Lockport, Illinois, faces life in prison and a dishonorable discharge if convicted with premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, and obstruction of justice.

The charges stem from a lengthy investigation of the prisoners’ slaying, which the Army said happened sometime between March 10 and April 16, 2007.

Leahy also faces charges, including murder, for a separate incident in January 2007. The Army has provided no information on that event.

The Rose Barracks Courthouse court-martial opens Tuesday and is expected to last several days.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_courtmartial_germany_021609/%2e