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2nd Marine Acquitted in Fallujah Killings

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 9, 2009 2:09 PM CDT

(Newser) – A Marine was acquitted today in a court-martial for civilian deaths during the battle for Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Sgt. Ryan Weemer acted in self defense and had orders to fire, there was no forensic evidence, and he was manipulated by investigators, his lawyers argued. Even the prosecutor expressed doubt to the jury, saying “you should struggle with the murder charge” and convict on lesser charges.

Former Marine Sgt. Jose Luis Nazario Jr. was acquitted by a civilian jury last year for the same crime.
Former Marine Sgt. Jose Luis Nazario Jr. was acquitted by a civilian jury last year for the same crime.   (AP Photo)
Marine Sgt. Ryan G. Weemer.
Marine Sgt. Ryan G. Weemer.   (AP Photo)
Weemer and civilian attorney Paul Hackett.
Weemer and civilian attorney Paul Hackett.   (AP Photo)
Former Marine Sgt. Jose Luis Nazario Jr., 28, from New York, speaks about his impending federal trial, at the office of one of his attorneys, Joseph M. Preis, in Irvine, Calif., on Aug. 16, 2008. Nazario faces charges of shooting detainees during the 2004 battle of Fallujah, in Iraq. The...
Former Marine Sgt. Jose Luis Nazario Jr., 28, from New York, speaks about his impending federal trial, at the office of one of his attorneys, Joseph M. Preis, in Irvine, Calif., on Aug. 16, 2008. Nazario...   (AP Photo/Sean Dufrene)
A Marine general stands in Fallujah.
A Marine general stands in Fallujah.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Shannonals
Apr 10, 2009 11:37 AM CDT
Sad to say, but civilian deaths are to be expected in urban combat, there is no getting around it.
riffran
Apr 10, 2009 2:11 AM CDT
unfortunate collateral damage happens...it sucks, but it is the price paid in war

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