Trial begins for O-2 accused in detainee death

[unhappycamper]

Trial begins for O-2 accused in detainee death
By Kristin M. Hall - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Feb 23, 2009 20:56:44 EST

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — A soldier begins his trial this week at Fort Campbell on charges that he murdered an Iraqi detainee.

Prosecutors say 1st Lt. Michael Behenna of Edmond, Okla., shot Ali Mansour Mohammed in the head and chest, then used an incendiary grenade to burn his body. The incident occurred near Beiji, 115 miles north of Baghdad, in May 2008.

Last week, Staff Sgt. Hal M. Warner pleaded guilty to assault, maltreatment of a subordinate and making a false statement in the case. Warner agreed to testify against Behenna and was sentenced to 17 months in prison.

Behenna is charged with premeditated murder, assault and making a false official statement.

Both were assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, based at the sprawling military post on the Kentucky-Tennessee line.


Article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_detainee_death_trial_022309/%2e