Ex-GI refuses to testify in soldier murder case

[unhappycamper]

Ex-GI refuses to testify in soldier murder case
By P. Solomon Banda - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Nov 12, 2008 22:18:13 EST

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — One of two Iraq war veterans scheduled to testify against another soldier in the death of a fellow Iraq war veteran could face first-degree murder charges after backing out of his plea agreement and refusing to testify.

Bruce Bastien had pleaded guilty to accessory to murder in the Dec. 1 slaying of Spc. Kevin Shields. During the trial of alleged triggerman Louis Bressler Wednesday, and with the jury out of the courtroom, Bastien’s attorneys told a judge that Bastien will not testify.

Deputy District Attorney Jack Roth told El Paso County District Judge Theresa Cisneros that he had not decided whether to refile first-degree murder and other charges that would carry a mandatory life sentence.

Bastien is serving 60 years in prison as part of a plea agreement that required him to testify against Bressler in Shields’ death and in the August 2007 death of fellow soldier Robert James. Bastien pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in James’ death.

“He’s got 60 years and he’s got to deal with it,” Roth said as he mulled whether to refile charges.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/ap_soldier_killing_111208/%2e