Investigator: Drop Haditha charges against Sharratt

[Eugene]

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

Investigator: Drop Haditha charges against Sharratt

By Alex Roth
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

10:08 p.m. July 10, 2007

CAMP PENDLETON – An investigator has recommended
that all charges be dismissed against Lance Cpl. Justin
Sharratt, accused of killing three Iraqis execution-style
in Haditha.

In a written report, Lt. Col. Paul Ware says the evidence
shows that Sharratt's actions on Nov. 19, 2005, “were in
accord with the rules of engagement and use of force.”

Sharratt's attorneys made the report public Tuesday.

At a preliminary hearing last month, Sharratt, who faces
three counts of murder, said he shot the three Iraqi men
only after one of them pointed a gun at him. In the report,
Ware, who presided over last month's hearing, said
Sharratt's version is “strongly corroborated by independent
forensic analysis of the death scene.”

-snip-

Read more: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20070710-2208-bn10sharratt.html

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Source: Associated Press

Officer Advises Against Trial for Marine

Wednesday July 11, 2007 7:01 AM

SAN DIEGO (AP) - An investigating officer has recommended
dismissing murder charges against a Marine accused in the
slayings of three Iraqi men in a squad action that killed
24 civilians in Haditha, according to a report released
Tuesday.

The government's theory that Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt
had executed the three men was “incredible” and relied on
contradictory statements by Iraqis, Lt. Col. Paul Ware said
in the report, released by Sharratt's defense attorneys.

-snip-

The recommendation is nonbinding. A final decision about
whether Sharratt should stand trial will be made by Lt. Gen.
James Mattis, the commanding general overseeing the case.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6771435,00.html