Soldier sentenced in Iraqi rape, death

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- One of four U.S. soldiers pleaded guilty in a Fort Campbell, Ky., military court, to raping an Iraqi teenage girl and killing her and her family.

Army infantryman James P. Barker, 23, pleaded guilty to all charges in the incident last March, The New York Times said. Barker's plea agreement means he will not be sentenced to death.

Pfc. Jesse V. Spielman, Pfc. Bryan L. Howard and Sgt. Paul E. Cortez are also charged with rape, premeditated murder and arson, the Times said. They are accused of burning the 14-year-old girl's body to conceal evidence.

Sgt. Anthony W. Yribe, is charged with dereliction of duty for failing to report the crimes.

In California, Marine Pfc. John J. Jodka has pleaded guilty to charges of assault and conspiracy to obstruct justice in the killing of a man authorities suspected of being a terrorist, the Times said.