OCEANSIDE, Calif., March 22 (UPI) -- Lawyers for a U.S. Marine said they want a judge to drop all charges against their client in the 2005 civilian killings in Haditha, Iraq.
Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich was due in court Monday to face charges he took part in the mass killing of Iraqi civilians in Haditha Nov. 19, 2005, the Los Angeles Times said.
Wuterich is the last of eight U.S. Marines tied to the 2005 incident still facing criminal charges. Wuterich is charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault, dereliction of duty and obstruction of justice.
Authorities allege Wuterich, squad leader at the time of the incident, and his squad members killed 24 Iraqis in response to a roadside bombing that claimed the life of a fellow Marine. Among the slain civilians were three women and seven children.
Among the eight Marines charged in the ensuing criminal case, one suspect was found innocent and charges against six others were dropped.
The Times said Wuterich's lawyers are expected to argue the charges against their client should be dropped because an investigator into the 2005 incident was involved in meetings with the general who brought the initial charges against the soldiers.
