Marine charged with Iraq war crime called popular, loyal

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http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/11/11/marine_charged_with_iraq_war_crime_called_popular_loyal/

PLYMOUTH, Mass. --To those from Larry Hutchins' hometown, he's remembered as the kind of guy who stood by his friends, fending off bullies and being a team player on and off the field.

But it was his role as one of a team of Marines that his name is now known across the country.

Marine Sgt. Lawrence G. Hutchins III faces charges including murder in the death of a 52-year-old Iraqi. Hutchins is in jail awaiting trial at Camp Pendleton in San Diego.

Hutchins was one of eight servicemen charged -- the "Pendleton 8" as some defenders called them. But in recent weeks, two fellow Marines and a Navy corpsman cut deals with prosecutors and testified that their 22-year-old squad leader, the likable kid with the Boston accent, was the ringleader.