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(Graphic via Defend Our Marines)

Paging John Murtha: Haditha Marine Lt. Andrew Grayson found not guilty on all counts. See if you can find the story on the NYTimes or any other MSM outlet that splashed the original accusations all over their front pages. You’ll need a magnifying glass.

Go to Defend Our Marines for all the background on the case and breaking developments.

Bob Owens at PJM reports and reminds:

Early in the investigations, based upon unknown evidence, Democratic Rep. John Murtha (PA) stated that “there was no firefight, there was no IED that killed these innocent people. Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood.”

Barack Obama, asked about Murtha’s charge by Alan Colmes in June of 2006, stated, “I would never second guess John Murtha… I think he’s somebody who knows of which he speaks.”

Murtha’s “in cold blood” statement and the Democratic Presidential nominee’s unquestioning acceptance came seven months before the military charged eight Marines with various offenses in December of 2006. Charges against five of the eight Marines have since be dropped for lack of evidence, and in the first of three scheduled trials, Grayson has been acquitted. It remains to be seen if Rep. Murtha or Senator Obama will offer Lt. Grayson an apology, cold-blooded, or otherwise.

Of the two cases remaining, only Staff Sergeant Frank Wuterich faces charges directly related to the killings. The most serious charges he faces are nine counts of involuntary manslaughter. Curiously, his case has been postponed indefinitely, and was not expected to resume until after both of his military defense attorneys had retired, weakening his defense in a complex case. Late-breaking information from Bruce Kessler of The Democracy Project, who has been covering the Haditha cases in detail, states that Lt. Col. Colby Vokey will delay his retirement again to stay with Wuterich’s defense.

The third case, against commanding officer Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, is said to be tainted by “unlawful command influence” in charging Chessani according to the judge presiding over the case, suggesting that Chessani is a political scapegoat for higher-ranking officers seeking to appease anti-war politicians. His trial is expected to commence June 17.

Flashback: Murtha cuts and runs when confronted about his slander by YAF/Hot Air TV correspondent Jason Mattera:

You can run, but you can’t hide.

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Bruce Kesler has much more on the steadfastness of Lt. Grayson.

Gary Gross, who has followed the case from day one, writes:

It’s disgusting that these Marines were wrongly accused. It’s obvious that this was a corrupt prosecution that wouldn’t have happened if not for Murtha’s unfounded accusations. He’s one of the most vile, despicable exuses for a human being I’ve ever seen, ranking only a few paces ahead of Judas Iscariot of thirty pieces of silver fame.

Once Sgt. Wuterich and Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cjhessani are acquitted, I will demand a full apology from Rep. Murtha. This blog’s followers know that I called Murtha’s DC office to get his statement after the charges against Justin Sharratt were dropped in july, 2007. Here’s what Brit Hume said about my call on that day’s Political Grapevine:

Pennsylvania Democratic Congressman John Murtha refused to comment today when asked by Gary Gross of the Let Freedom Ring blog for a reaction to Colonel Ware’s recommendation. You’ll recall that Murtha has said the Marines “overreacted” and “killed innocent civilians in cold blood.” But today his office said he would not comment because the investigation is ongoing.

Rep. Murtha won’t be able to hide behind that excuse much longer. When Col. Chessani and SSgt. Wuterich are acquitted, I’ll place that call again. When I call again, I will demand that they fully apologize for Rep. Murtha’s despicable accusations.

That day is coming soon.