Marine acquitted in combat crimes case; not guilty on all accounts
This won’t be on the front page of the NYTimes.
Justice for former US Marine Jose Luis Nazario.
More at Defend Our Marines and Blackfive.
See what others have said
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Nice.
Pop Quiz –
Murtha is:
a) writing an apology
b) writing up more pork
This should be tattooed on Murtha’s forehead, in reverse so he can read it everyday when he looks in the mirror.
Boooyah!
Don’t start doing the happy dance yet.
Please don’t forget Col Chessani is still on the hook and twisting in the wind. This isn’t over yet.
Please keep the Chessani family in your prayers. And, if you are so inclined, make a donation to the Thomas More Law Center, the civilian attorneys who are defending him pro bono.
Thx
Kerry, Murtha and the rest of the chickenhawks were not available for comment….
Hooyah devil dog!
GSP
HM1(AW) Ret
I’m not sure this is the case that cased Murtha to defame Marines.
Obviously, we want our Marines to get good headlines rather than bad headlines, but I’m not sure justice was served here. It seems as if the case fell apart because two witnessed suddenly refused to testify.
I wonder what Marines that knew Nazario think about him.
I’ll go with b, AlohaGuy.
I won’t.
Iwill & I will.
You’re welcome.
Even OJ can be acquitted.
Thank God!!
Should have never been brought in the first place!
Didn’t Bidet throw his hat in the “they are all guilty as hell” ring as well?
I am glad he was acquitted. Of course, I am not an American hating liberal so, there ya go.
Hey a$$hat, OJ was guilty.
It’s pretty obvious the dude did what he was charged with doing…but two others refused to testify against him which basically halted the case, according to the AP:
Jury foreman Ted Grinnell, a 36-year-old Navy veteran, said jurors believed Nazario had shot two men but were unable to convict because there was no witnesses evidence.
“We have no doubt he shot those people but we have no idea what happened before the trigger was pulled,” Grinnell told AFP.
“Those people” that Grinnell is referring to won’t testify and were held in contempt of court. And “those people” still face charges of unpremeditated murder themselves.
I’m not happy about any part of this story, but it’s pretty clear a select few Marines involved themselves in some detestable behavior. I’m sorry, but Murtha was right. Iraqis were killed, execution style, by US Marines. There is no excuse for that.
Refusing to feed the troll.
Unless you have shipped over there and have had to make those split second decisions,
to paraphrase my favorite devil dog, take a nice big cup of ST*U.
PS: I’m proud of those Marines for pleading the 5th. God Bless ‘Em.
Could you please provide me a list of all of the American POW’s who were captured after March 2003 and are currently being held captive in Iraq or Afghanistan?
I followed the link to Blackfive. In one of his posts about this he states,
This indicates that Blackfive isn’t pounding the table about his innocence, but, overall, thinks Nazario and the witness should be free.
I respect Blackfive’s conclusion as genuine, but I would still like to hear from Marines that knew Nazario.
You should be. Evidence he shot them execution style?
Please disregard the “those people” lines in the 4th paragraph above…my mistake. The people who won’t testify and who still face charges are Marines, not the victims. My mistake.
You don’t know what you’re talking about, and you don’t have any first-hand info about what really happened.
I am going to take a wild guess and launch a hypothesis that YOU weren’t in the AO.
All that is obvious to me is that some Marines finally decided they were through with Salem witch trials …sink or not, you’re headed for the flames.
Again, kudos to them. I for one am sick of the press deciding trials before any evidence is presented.
“Murtha was right?”
Wow! That’s a very reckless statement. Maybe you should find out if Murtha even commented about this case before making such a bold declaration.
Damn straight!!
The men were charged with execution style killings. I am not aware of the evidence that was presented, but that was the charge.
It seems as if you made several mistakes in your haste. Gee, you have quite a bit in common with the MSM.
I did check, and he did comment. I’ve been following this story for a long time. Why would you think I didn’t check that before posting?
These episodes hit very close to home.
Why should they come forward?
It is clear that members of the public don’t understand what is going on and the conditions they operate under. It is clear that they are never going to get a fair or impartial hearing.
Monday morning quarterbacking is all well and good from the comfort of your lazy boy. Those Marines will deal with what they say and experienced in the AO
forever.
If anything, the Haditha incident has taught everyone to zip it and keep it zipped.
AMEN!!!
I am sick to death how hard “americans” are working to bring our own to trial while trying to free terrorists in GITMO.
They may go to jail for contempt but these men are going to stick together like all fighting men and women should do. Tell them all to go pack sand and watch your brothers and sisters 6.
I made one mistake, Corkie. Plus, I see you basically agree with me in your first post in this thread. What’s the beef man?
I hope that this Marine sues the government for malicious (read that “political”) prosecution, and wins a ton of cash.
Oh, I get it. Now I understand how our system works in America. Everyone charged with a crime is guilty of that crime. Right?
sorry – typo — what they saw and experienced in the AO.
LMFAO and you think the families of the dead people think the trials were fair?
I charge you with being a stupid idiot. So, does that make it fact?
Michelle,
Is there any way that we get all of the acquited Marines together and sponsor them by paying for their trips to follow Sen Biden around and wait for his apologies to them?
I thought Murtha’s cause celebre was Haditha (sp?)?
And to echo the others, who decided they were killed “execution style”? Sounds like those in the know either won’t, or can’t, talk. If it’s a squad mate, let him/her come forward, otherwise “innocent before proven guilty” carries the day.
MTO
LTC (ret)
If not that then perhaps sponsor their parents and have them follow Biden around and wait for his apologies to the Marines through them?
Gee, Tettes, could you go out to work everyday knowing that there were people who were attempting to assassinate you, using women, children and the mentally disabled as weapons?
Rigging corpses with explosives?
While you were trying to open schools, operate medical clinics, and train the police force to institute basic safety and security?
They could follow him to his grave ’cause, like The Traitor Murtha, he will Never apologize.
Sure, if you’d like it to.
So, who killed the people, execution style? Their neighbors? This case came to trial for a reason. Detainees were executed. Read the stories of the people who were involved before they went on trial. It was their own words that started the investigation in the first place, two years after the fact.
Really? You checked? What did Murtha say about this case?
I think you made more than one mistake. I’ll check for sure.
Reread my post. I stated uncertainty. You stated certainty. Do you really not understand the difference????
No, I could not imagine the horror you describe. That’s why I didn’t sign up for military service and that’s why we should either leave Iraq or start a draft. Our guys are on 2,3,4 tours of duty for 15 months! Of course they are going to crack under pressure…they’re being asked to do the impossible. Bring them home so this doesn’t happen again, or make everyone serve so no one has to do multiple tours. But if it’s so important to win in Iraq, why not bring the draft back?
We all know the real fight is in Afghanistan and Pakistan anyway.
A few years ago, we left a good friend alone in a barn to finish grooming out her horse in quiet after a ladies’ ride and she turned down an offer to join the group for lunch. She was stabbed to death by the hired hand, who watched her die and then called 911.
Even to this day, I replay the events leading up to her murder in my mind. What could we have done differently? Should we have insisted she come with the group for lunch? Should we have been more aware that the hired hand was “odd” and “odd” things had been happening.
Does this make me guilty or complicit in her murder? I don’t think so, but survivor’s guilt will rip your guts out.
Replaying tragic life events is human.
It is not indicative of guilt.
Try again.
Perhaps it was the same people who have butchered every captured American soldier and Marine since 2003.
Pardon me if I do not give a rip how those insurgents ended up assuming room teperature.
I didn’t say that Marines should talk to the public or testify. I clearly stated that I…me…myself would like to speak with Marines that know him. I’ve often been able to get the straight scoop that way.
How do you know that anyone was killed execution style? The prosecution had no bodies. Your confidence baffles me.
It seems as if you aren’t very bright.
Your courage is inspiring.
You’re making me swoon.
Michelle, when did you give Jon Cary posting rights?
It was Jon Cary’s “own words that started the investigation in the first place” for winter soldier. Jon Cary said some evil things about our troops that later turned out to be all lies.
I bet you believe the skull cap story too. I guess by your own words, you are guilty as charged (though, I was just trying to make a point).
Why on earth would you assume that a draft would help “to win in Iraq?”
This clearly demonstrates naivete. You’re losing credibility quickly.
Hate to point out the obvious, since I don’t know who you are, but unless you are a Marine who served in the theatre with the accused, or are a member of the inner circle, you are a member of the public. And they would have no reason to speak to you or defend their choices to you.
Can someone please provide me with Murtha’s quote regarding this case? I’d truly like to know.
Before anyone answers, I’m 99% sure that this case is different from Haditha.
Who’s this “We” business?
The professionals I know who actually get paid to know this stuff don’t agree with your analysis. Perhaps they should put you on speed dial.
You and the One should have it wrapped up just in time to pop round for “tea and medals”, right?
Inner circle? Ha ha! Please. This is simply not true. You’re bluffing the wrong guy.
I’ve been able to get Marines to talk honestly about accused parties that they knew on many occasions. Sometimes, immediately following a court martial. As a result, I believe that I have an inside scoop about quite a few newsworthy incidents.
Anyway, I never said that they should speak with me. I said that I wanted to hear from them. In other words – that’s the only real way to form an opinion. It certainly can’t be done by reading the news.
Corkie,
The Nazario case is not connected to Haditha.
It dealt with the alleged killing of detainees in Fallujah in Nov 2004 at the beginning of the second battle for Fallujah.
And, no, I’m not “bluffing”. Again, I don’t know who you are, but I have met all kinds who “claim” to have the “inside scoop”.
I understand that you never said they should speak to you, but rather you wanted to hear from them.
Again…they owe you nothing.
Thanks. I was only 99% sure. Are you implying that Murtha did not comment on this case?
Great, we can meet and compare military resumes sometime – including investigation and court martial experience. I can tell you my inside scoops, and you can tell me if you think I’m full of it. BTW, I assume that you are not a Marine. Otherwise, you would have proudly stated that you were.
Gee, thanks for informing me of this. Because I really, really, really thought that they did owe me something.
Keep in mind, I never implied that I wanted to hear from the witnesses. I merely stated that I wanted to hear from marines that knew Nazario. I’m sure he was known beyond his squad, platoon, and company. He might have a good reputation. He might have a bad reputation. These pieces help form an opinion.
And yet you state you would still like to hear from Marines that know Nazario.
If you’re such an insider and Marines are falling all over themselves to spill their guts to you, shouldn’t be a problem for ya then.
Corkie,
Nope, I’m not a Marine. Have never stated or implied I am.
But I get to leave with the fallout of Fallujah every day.
Thanks for your concern.
Tettes:
“Bring them home so this doesn’t happen again, or make everyone serve so no one has to do multiple tours. But if it’s so important to win in Iraq, why not bring the draft back?”
So because a few marines may have committed a murder, we should abandon all principles, foreign policy objectives, and change our entire military staffing strategy which is performing extremely well. OK, yea that is sound decision making for the most powerful nation ever. And if a Humvee blows a tire, we can revert to Calvary on horses. Do you think there has ever been a war where such atrocities have not occurred?
For the record, Nazario was fired from his job as a civilian police officer as soon as he was charged. His wife is the sole wage earner for the family.
He was fired. Not suspended or put on any type of administrative leave, pending the outcome of the trial, but let go.
I just love how the rights Nazario fought so hard to uphold and defend were accorded to him when push came to shove.
And Weemer and Nelson, the Marines who pled the 5th, face court martials on board Camp P. That was one of the reasons they refused to testify.
Thanks for the hyperbole.
What is it with you and this “insider” thing?
Typo.
Get to live with the fallout of Fallujah every day.
Got to stop posting on this subject.
It’s too personal and too emotional.
Hyperbole? Well, maybe that’s a good foil to what I perceive as your arrogance.
Maybe because I am sick to death of listening to people blather on how they have the “real” scoop. It’s infuriating to listen to the talking heads, the people in the grocery store, in the line at the bank.
And I don’t know where you get off thinking some how you’re entitled to pass judgment.
Like I said, I don’t know you. Maybe I’ve met you at some of the proceedings and don’t know it.
And room temperature in Iraq often reaches 130 deg. F.
Nice and comfy. Sort of like a preview of where they’re headed.
No. It isn’t.
This seems like an irrational reaction to my statements regarding my desires to learn the real story. It certainly isn’t an excuse for your continued hyperbole.
Where did I convey any sense of entitlement? You do understand the difference between entitlement and desire. Right?
Again, you’re reactions have been irrational given that you know nothing about my background and given that my statements were benign. Maybe you should stop posting about this subject.
Again, tettes. Please provide the quote from Murtha about this case when you get a chance.
Yep, ya got me, nope, not a Marine, unlike Murtha who was …and also claimed to have the “inside scoop”.
What did Murtha say about this case? I’m trying to find out.
OJ Simpson was also found not guilty, so draw your own conclusions.
I donated another $200 to the Russell campaign to unseat this jackass named Murtha. He has GOT to go!!
Question to our libtrolls,
If they were shot ‘execution style’ then gee, we followed the rules of the Geneva convention to the letter and Spirit. Shouldn’t you be celebrating the Marines for following the Conventions ratified by the US?
The most ridiculous part of this whole event was that these politically motivated a$$clowns were ever able to bring charges in a civilian court. The context of Marines conducting a house to house clearing operation in a combat zone is so much different from that of any type of police activity there is no comparison. Anyone who has never experienced it has no clue. I have not seen the trial transcript, but I doubt if Nazario denied shooting people. That’s kind of why we give Marines M-16s/M-4s and teach them how to use them. So the jury saying they are convinced he shot two people means nothing. If there was some evidence that Nazario had violated the UCMJ then he should have been recalled to active duty and give a court martial where he could be judged by people familiar with the type of situation he was involved in.
Okay Corkie…you keep alluding to YOUR qualifications…why don’t you tell us what they are, and why you’re so concerned about these Marines talking to you? You are talking an awful lot about this case, seem to imply you know something, and seem to imply that you are a Marine, and that you somehow have some magical ability to cut through clutter.
What’s your deal?
I e-mailed the Justice Department asking them to take action against the Judge who allowed this case even to go forward and the Prosecutor.
In case you missed it from the article they had no bodies or even identities of who he was suppose to kill, so how could they even think about charging them with a crime with no evidence that a crime was even ever committed? Anyone say Mike Nifong? Yes both the Judge and Prosecutor in this case need to be charge after I saw the complete lack of facts in this case.
Not to mention that the killings took place on foreign soil, on a battlefield. That’s not even in a U.S. civilian court’s jurisdiction. This case should have not come to court.
Whatever happened on that battlefield (barring proof of intentional harm of civilians, which this case doesn’t seem to involve) I back our soldiers and Marines.
“It’s better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.”
Great news!
Actually OJ Simpson was found guilty in a civil suit and the judge in that trial wasn’t accepting any of the garbage that Judge Ito tolerated from the “Scheme team”.
OJ may have escaped the criminal trial, but the DNA still convicted him.
Why don’t you two get a room and take this elsewhere. Or get a couple throw away email addresses from Yahoo, and have a private discussion.
On August 29th, 2008 at 8:12 am, Dave the Libertarian said:
Try to think clearly. I merely stated that I would want to speak with Marines that knew Nazario. I never stated that I wanted to speak with these Marines. Got that? Never.
My deal is that someone irrationally misrepresented my statements. I had to correct those misrepresentations.
I concur. In fact, I believe that all court martial proceedings should be juried by “people familiar with the type of situation” the accused was involved in – not just some random mixture of sailors and marines.
AWSOME!
How long before the WACKED OUT LEFT FORCES THE MILITARY TO ARREST AND CHARGE THIS WARROR???
You for them the MILITARY SUCKS but they have lost this battle and they WILL not have this. They will force the VARY GROUP of MILITARY MEN THEY HATE TO RIGHT THIS WRONG FOR THEM…… I hope and pary that this is not a BATTLE WON BUT, THE WAR WON FOR THIS WARROR!!!!!