Ga. judge decides on evidence in soldiers killing

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=25539

A Georgia judge ruled Wednesday theres enough evidence against a former Army private accused of murdering a fellow soldier to bind him over to Superior Court.

The decision by Judge James Messner in Columbus Recorders Court means Alberto Martinez case can proceed to a grand jury, said his lawyer, Richard Zimmerman.

Martinez, who left the Army after returning from Iraq, is accused of killing 24-year-old Spc. Richard Thomas Davis of St. Charles, Mo. Martinez remains held without bail.

Three other fellow soldiers _ Pvt. Jacob Burgoyne of Middleburg, Fla., Pfc. Mario Naverette of San Juan, Texas, and Pfc. Douglas Woodcoff of San Antonio, Texas, all 24, _ are charged with concealing Davis death. Prosecutor Gray Conger said Wednesday he may seek murder indictments against several of the suspects, but he hasnt decided which ones.

Police said the group went to a topless bar to celebrate their homecoming from Iraq in mid-July. Davis apparently insulted one of the dancers and got them kicked out of the bar, according to police reports. The soldiers began fighting, and Martinez allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Davis to death.

Army investigators discovered Davis beaten, stabbed and charred body in a wooded area on Nov. 7.

All of the men were part of the same infantry unit within the Fort Benning-based 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division that served in Iraq.

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[UpInArms]

1. gack!

This gives a whole new meaning to "non-hostile" deaths

this is so dreadful - that the only way to resolve conflicts involves deadly force -

our country is reaping what *Co has sown.

:(

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

2. I think this may be one of the first "PTS" related killings we see.

Already the suicide rate is of major concern. We don't have a clue what some of these kids have been through.