(U.S.) Officer killed Kentucky soldier

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/12879403.htm

An Eastern Kentucky soldier killed in Iraq was shot by an American officer who pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and was sentenced to 30 months at a military prison, according to the military.

Sgt. Joseph Tackett's death on June 23 was one of 10 homicides since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003. The Pentagon hasn't released an official report on the death, but officials said the 22-year-old was killed by a lieutenant who pointed his M-16 rifle at Tackett in a "safe haven," a place where loaded weapons are forbidden.

"He was killed by a stupid, senseless, irresponsible act," said his mother, Kathy Tackett, 52, a food service manager.

At a court-martial, Lt. Willie Davis pleaded guilty Aug. 31 to negligent homicide and negligent dereliction to clear his weapon and maintain muzzle awareness, said Lt. Col. Clifford Kent, spokesman for the Army's 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga.

The maximum sentence for the crime is 45 months in prison. Davis, of Lithonia, Ga., was sentenced to 30 months at a military prison at Fort Knox and was discharged from the Army, Kent said.

<snip>

Other soldiers asked Davis why he was bringing a weapon into the briefing, against the rules, Kathy Tackett said she was told. To prove the weapon was unloaded, Davis pointed it at Tackett and fired, she said.

At end of article, the dead soldier's father said this has soured him on the military.

[tabasco]

1. Looks like the officer standards have dropped in Bush's military.

That is one of the stupidest things I've ever heard of any soldier doing. Of course, a lieutenant is usually fresh out of college, but there is no excuse. I'm glad the LT was punished, but I would have gone with the max punishment due to the extreme recklessness of the act. He may not have intended to kill the SGT, but he intentionally pointed a weapon at the SGT and intentionally pulled the trigger. Definite case for max punishment.

[IndianaGreen]

3. I have never heard of an officer pointing a gun at an enlisted person!

Was this guy a Freeper or an NRA loony?

[pokercat999]

10. Or high as a kite.......We never hear about the probable

drug problem in Iraq. I say "probable" because I have no proof one exists, however if it doesn't you think they would be touting how well the troops are doing.......just saying.

[eglide]

2. Stupid act

I'm glad this LT won't have a chance to be my son's platoon leader.

Basics of firearm safety.
All firearms are treated as loaded all the time.
You never point a firearm at something you don't want to shoot.
You never put your finger on the trigger unless you want to shoot.


Even ignoring all of the above, if the rifle would have been pointed in the air or at the ground then nobody would have been hurt when it discharged.

At least the LT took responsibility for his stupidity and pled guilty.

[northzax]

8. took responsibility?

no, he copped a plea. negligent homicide and 30 months in jail is a sure conviction for the prosecutors, I bet it was that or face a trial for Murder 2.

[UpInArms]

4. I was taught - never point a gun at someone

you don't want to kill.

All Guns Are Loaded.

:cry:

[Sabriel]

5. EVERY soldier is "killed by a stupid, senseless, irresponsible act"

This one just happened to be more obvious.

Do not rest in peace. Not until you're all avenged.

[saigon68]

9. Do not rest in peace. Not until you're all avenged.

AVENGE ME AVENGE ME

A LINE FROM RED DAWN.

[brentspeak]

6. To prove the weapon was unloaded, he pointed it a soldier and fired

How did such an idiot ever rise to the rank of Lt.?

[jmowreader]

7. Rise? Lieutenants START as lieutenants!

In the citation in which I awarded this man the Hannover Fiste Award (an aperiodic award bestowed upon the person most in need of killin' at the time), I described him as the dumbest fucking lieutenant I have ever heard of, which is an honor unto itself.

[sendero]

11. It truly ..

.... boggles the mind. 30 months is really not justice IMHO.

[Qanisqineq]

12. That is the most outrageous thing I've ever heard!

Who does that? I can imagine drunk stupid people maybe, but someone in the military who goes through so much training with weapons? Don't they teach gun safety and what NOT to do?

[hadrons]

13. if Dumbya was sent to Viet'Nam, I could see him doing this ....