Green Beret: Afghan man lunged before I fired

[unhappycamper]

Green Beret: Afghan man lunged before I fired
By Estes Thompson - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Feb 23, 2009 19:07:03 EST

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A Green Beret charged with killing and mutilating an Afghan man said at his court-martial Monday that he shot the suspected Taliban insurgent when the Afghan man lunged at him during questioning.

The remarks from Master Sgt. Joseph D. Newell, 39, of Tecumseh, Mich., conflicted with an interpreter who testified that he didn’t see the suspect make a fist and move toward Newell.

Newell told the 10 jury members he saw the man lower his head and his shirt move before the lunge.

“It was not an accidental shooting. I meant to shoot him,” Newell said. “I shot him again. You always shoot twice.”

Newell said the incident happened near a Taliban stronghold after he stopped a truck loaded with men, women and children. The suspect told Newell they were going to a wedding, but Newell said the truck had been suspiciously driving in circles in the desert.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_newell_court_martial_022309/%2e