Psychologist testifies in Green Beret trial

[unhappycamper]

Psychologist testifies in Green Beret trial
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Feb 24, 2009 15:48:45 EST

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A Green Beret accused of killing an Afghan civilian and mutilating the body feared for his life when he shot the man he believed was an insurgent, a psychologist testified Tuesday at the Army court-martial.

Forensic psychologist Claudia Coleman said the actions of Master Sgt. Joseph Newell, 39, were consistent with a fear reaction to a threat, The Fayetteville Observer reported.

The Green Beret from Tecumseh, Mich., faces a life prison sentence if convicted of murder.

Newell testified he told the Afghan civilian he suspected of being a Taliban insurgent that he was going to be detained moments before the man balled his fists and lunged at him during questioning last March 5 in southern Afghanistan.

Newell, who had stopped the man during a desert convoy, said he shot the man twice in the chest and saw the man’s eyes roll back in his head before he dropped.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_newell_court_martial_022409/%2e