Details still murky in Iraq death probe

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- An autopsy is disputing the U.S. Army’s contention an Iraqi civilian was shot at close range by one of its troops during an incident near Kirkuk this summer.

The attorney for one of two GIs accused in the slaying of the prisoner told the San Antonio Express-News that tests showed the victim was hit several times, but not by shots allegedly fired from a few feet away.

The Army has accused Sgt. 1st Class Trey Corrales of shooting the man and ordering Spec. Christopher Shore of shooting him as well. The two soldiers were part of a platoon that stormed a home in Kirkuk after an Army helicopter took ground fire.

The newspaper said an aerial camera took video of the entire incident. Shore’s attorney said the footage did not show the actual shooting and there were apparently no witnesses on the ground.

Corrales could face the death penalty if convicted of murder in the case.