Local News
Edmond Marine’s hearing set Monday
EDMOND — The military hearing officer who recommended murder charges be dropped against one of three Marines charged in the 2005 slaying of Iraqi civilians in Haditha also will preside over the hearing for an Edmond Marine.
The Article 32 Investigation hearing for Lance Cpl. Stephen B. Tatum is scheduled for Monday at Camp Pendleton. Tatum is charged with unpremeditated murder, negligent homicide and assault.
Last week the Investigating Officer Lt. Col. Paul J. Ware recommended murder charges against Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt be dropped.
In the report, released by Sharratt’s defense attorneys, Ware wrote, “To believe the government version of facts is to disregard clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, and sets a dangerous precedent that, in my opinion, may encourage others to bear false witness against Marines as a tactic to erode public support of the Marine Corps and mission in Iraq,”
It is the second time an investigating officer has recommended charges not continue to trial. In the case of Marine lawyer Capt. Randy W. Stone, the investigating officer recommended his dereliction of duty charge be dealt with administratively, according to Associated Press reports.
Tatum is one of four enlisted Marines charged with violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for their alleged involvement in the deaths of Iraqi civilians following an improvised explosive device that killed a fellow Marine and small arms attack on the convoy Nov. 19, 2005, in Haditha, Iraq. The Marines contend their actions were in keeping with the rules of engagement.
Ware also is scheduled to preside over the hearing for Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, the man who led the assault in Haditha.
Wuterich faces 13 counts of unpremeditated murder and two counts of soliciting another to commit an offense.
Charges against one Marine were later withdrawn. The proceedings for Tatum could take five to 10 days.
jwilliams@edmondsun.com |
341-2121, ext. 108
- Local News
-
-
Edmond Memorial gets ready for Swine Week 2010
Edmond Memorial High School students took to the streets over the weekend to begin raising money for Swine Week, the school’s annual fundraiser.
-
Family seeks volunteers for bone marrow match
A series of bone marrow and blood drives has been scheduled for Edmond, Oklahoma City and Norman to help Dee Dee Dixon Rund, president of Oklahoma City Abstract and Title Company, who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia.
-
Council moves ahead with softball complex
The City Council approved the advancement of the $4.5 million adult softball complex into its second phase Monday night.
-
Lawmakers, Scouts celebrate 100th anniversary of Boy Scouts
State Reps. Scott Martin and Lewis Moore were proud today to welcome and celebrate with a number of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who attended events at the state Capitol commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
-
High school students explore health careers at Mercy
Deer Creek High School students were among more than 700 high schoolers who explored health care careers Friday at Mercy Health Center.
-
OC junior sings Valentines for mission projects
-
2-9 Where to Vote: Polling Precincts
Polls will be open for the Edmond Public Schools Board of Education District 5 election from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, but other voting options are available.
The Oklahoma County and Logan County election boards can accept absentee ballots until the close of polling stations. -
Edmond bank agrees to improve policies, practices
State and federal regulators have given an Edmond bank a deadline for submitting a written plan to strengthen oversight of bank management and operations.
-
Governor’s race brings in Edmond cash
Fervor for the 2010 gubernatorial race is bringing in a flood of money for political action committees.
-
Panel tables county jail issue
An advisory panel Friday rejected a recommendation calling for county commissioners to pursue a new estimated $330 million jail, then voted to revisit the issue at a later date.
- More Local News Headlines
-
