Marine Not Guilty in Iraqi Murder

Nailed on kidnapping and conspiracy
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 19, 2007 4:32 AM CDT
Marine Not Guilty in Iraqi Murder
Marine Cpl. Trent D. Thomas is seen in this Nov 14, 2006 file photo, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. A Marine corporal played a key role in the kidnapping and shooting death of an Iraqi civilian and should be convicted of murder, a military prosecutor said Monday, July 9, 2007. The opening statement by Lt....   (Associated Press)

One of a group of U.S. Marines charged with kidnapping and executing a suspected Iraqi terrorist was acquitted of premeditated murder at a court martial at Camp Pendleton, reports the San Diego Union Tribune. Cpl. Trent Thomas was found guilty of conspiracy  and kidnapping. The verdict means he'll avoid a mandatory life sentence.

Thomas and others allegedly kidnapped the Iraqi, shot him and claimed he had been killed while planting a bomb. Thomas told investigators the Marines were "sick and tired of being bombed and stuff." Five Marines have accepted plea bargains in exchange for testimony against others. Hours after the verdict, two other Marines were charged with murder in a separate case. (More Trent D. Thomas stories.)

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