Soldier acquitted in death of Iraqi insurgent

[unhappycamper]

Soldier acquitted in death of Iraqi insurgent
By Angela K. Brown - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday May 1, 2008 18:39:22 EDT

FORT HOOD, Texas — A military jury Thursday acquitted an Army sergeant of premeditated murder in the death of an unarmed Iraqi insurgent who was killed in a village overrun by al-Qaida operatives.

The family of Sgt. Leonardo Trevino gasped, clapped and sobbed after the verdict in his court-martial was read. The 31-year-old from San Antonio also was cleared on charges of attempted murder, solicitation to commit murder and three counts of obstruction of justice.

Trevino said he felt betrayed by the soldiers who testified against him but that he held no ill will toward the Army.

“I can stand here and say I’m proud to wear the uniform,” he said.

Military prosecutors said in closing arguments that the killing by Trevino last summer in Iraq was unjustified because the insurgent was severely wounded from a gun battle and posed no threat.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/05/ap_trevino_050108/