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DEFEND OUR MARINES
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"Defend Our Marines is the most extensive storehouse of Haditha related material anywhere."
—Denis Keohane, Ober Dictum
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PLEASE GIVE YOUR SUPPORT:

SSgt Frank Wuterich

LtCol Jeffrey Chessani

THE HADITHA CASE IN BRIEF...

Eight Marines were originally charged. Evidence of a massacre never materialized, and the original reports by the news media, and Congressman John Murtha, have been thoroughly discredited. To date, charges have been dismissed against six Marines, one was found not guilty on all counts.

The government is currently appealing the dismissal of charges against LtCol Chessani. The prosecution has delayed the court martial of SSgt Frank Wuterich indefinitely.

For the latest official word, go to the USMC Iraq Investigations site.

HADITHA FILES

The evidence room (includes statements to investigators, the Watt and Bargewell reports, the ScanEagle surveillance video, and diagrams of the scenes of the alleged crimes, Iraqi statements, and other documents)

The hearings (summaries and documents in the six Article 32 hearings as well as unsworn statements at the hearings)

Lt Grayson acquittal (court martial summary and special messages)

Haditha Marine media interviews (also see "Rules of Engagement", the Haditha film on PBS' Frontline)

Families speak out

Legal documents

Maps | Picture file: the accused  | Picture file: quotes

For a list of news from all sources since July 11, 2007, see below. For news and commentary prior to July 11, 2007, go to our archive. Also, click at the link for recent commentary.

DEFEND OUR MARINES SCOOPS THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA

Click here for a list of stories that you heard here first.

DEFEND OUR MARINES IN THE NEWS

Witness at Haditha, Chicago magazine, July 2008

Nazario case: Can civilian jurors understand combat decisions? , Tony Perry, Los Angles TImes blog.

DISCUSSION...
The best general discussion online is happening at the politically conservative news forum, Free Republic. 

Join in: Why do you care about the Haditha Marines?

SPECIAL THANKS

Lawyer says: "You all played a part in these victories", Richard V. Stevens, May 10, 2008.

NEWS AND ANALYSIS

NOTE: For news prior to July 11, 2007, see our archive.

LtCol Chessani. Thomas More Law Center Answers Prosecutor’s Appeal in LtCol Chessani Case, August 19, 2008 (pdf). Read the TMLC's answering brief here.

Slander isn't pretty--or is it? Murtha's mouthpiece named "most beautiful" guy, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, Augusts 12, 2008.

Haditha charges dropped against top Marine officer, Reuters, June 17, 2008.

Haditha case attorneys feel case may be dropped, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, June 16, 2008.

CBS wins Peabody Award for 60 Minutes SSgt Wuterich interview, TV Week, June 15, 2008 (pdf).

Key ruling expected in war crime case, Mark Walker, North County Times, June 15, 2008.

Haditha prosecutions under fire, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, June 12, 2008.

Quote: "Haditha has had a strange history. It was initially a very aggressive charging by the Marine Corps. Then it became a media-driven prosecution and finally it's become a media-driven case of honorable warriors done wrong by their too-eager-to-charge leadership. Perhaps we're merely seeing the military justice system reach the correct results."--Gary Solis, former Marine, law of war expert and law professor at Georgetown

Decision coming June 17, next big day in Haditha case, Nathaniel R. Helms, June 9, 2008

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Reaction to the verdict in the Lt Grayson case...

Huzzah! Huzzah! HUZZAHHH!, Bob Weimann, LtCol USMC Ret, Defend Our Marines, June 6, 2008.

Heroic Haditha Marine Acquitted, Philip V. Brennan, NewsMax, June 6, 2008.

Haditha Marine found not guilty on all counts, Kim Priestap, Wizbang, June 5, 2008.

Murtha and jihadi TV still holier than thou over Haditha Marine’s acquittal, Tim Sumner, 9-11 Families for a Safe & Strong America, June 5, 2008.

What’s happening with Haditha prosecutions?, Ed Morrissey, Hot Air, June 5, 2008.

Haditha case dwindles with innocent verdict, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, June 5, 2008.

Marine Acquitted of Haditha Charges; Judge Defers Decision on Crucial Motion and Delays Trial in LtCol Chessani Case, press release from the Thomas More Law Center, June 5, 2008.

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Lt Andrew Grayson Court Martial / Day Six / June 4, Wednesday

See our diary.

Major news: Haditha Marine acquitted: Lt. Andrew Grayson cleared on all charges, Teri Figueroa, North County Times, June 4, 2008.

Government screwed up, wants heroic lieutenant to go to jail, David Allender, Defend Our Marines, June 4, 2008

General Mattis testimony: History repeats itself, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, June 4, 2008

Marine acquitted in Haditha killing cover-up case, The Associated Press, June 4, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

Jury gets case of Marine accused of Iraq cover-up, Associated Press, June 4, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

Jury hears different views of Haditha probe, Associated Press, June 4, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

Prosecutor: Marine 'chose to lie' in Haditha case, Associated Press, June 4, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

Quote: Grayson says he did nothing wrong. He was not at the scene of the killings on Nov. 19, 2005, but is accused of a telling a sergeant to delete photographs of the dead from his digital camera and laptop computer.

Prosecutors say Grayson also lied five times to investigators before admitting he ordered the photos deleted.

"Gentlemen, why would an otherwise promising officer make a statement like that? The government's argument is that it was to avoid accountability," Atterbury said.

Closing arguments set for Marine accused in Haditha case, Associated Press, June 4, 2008.

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Lt Andrew Grayson Court Martial / Day Five / June 3, Tuesday

See our diary.

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Lt Andrew Grayson Court Martial / Day Four / June 2, Monday

See our diary.

Judge drops obstruction charge in Haditha case mid-trial, Teri Figueroa, North County Times, June 3, 2008.

Judge dismisses obstruction charge in Haditha case, Associated Press via the San Diego Union-Tribune, June 3, 2008.

Major news! You read it here first! Judge Dismisses Charge Against Lt Andrew Grayson, David Allender, Defend Our Marines, June 2, 2008.

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General denies conflict of interest at hearing: He says aide didn't advise on Haditha, Steve Liewer, San Diego Union-Tribune, June 3, 2008.

General denies being influenced in war crimes cases, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, June 2, 2008

Quote: Under questioning from defense attorney Robert Muise, Mattis also denied there was anything improper about permitting a Marine lawyer involved in the initial investigation into the Haditha killings to attend meetings in his office where the case was discussed before the preliminary hearing.

The lawyer, Col. John Ewers, attended the meetings because he was involved in other cases and never spoke about the Haditha case, Mattis testified. Ewers, following Mattis on the stand, said the same thing.

Mattis was commanding general of the Marine Forces Central Command when he brought charges in late 2006 against Chessani and seven other Marines. He is now commander of a joint forces command and also NATO supreme allied commander for transformation.

Mattis testified that he spent more time on the Haditha case than any other matter during his tenure  as c.g. of Marine Forces Central Command, including reading 9,000 pages from a Naval Criminal Investigative Service report.

"I did not make any decision where I did not feel I had intellectual dominance over the material," he said.

General to take hot seat in court, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, May 31, 2008

Attorney: Gen. Mattis to testify Monday in Haditha case, Teri Figueroa, North County Times, May 30, 2008.

Fallujah case. Marine Released from Civilian Custody in Fallujah Case, Nathaniel R. Helms,  Defend Our Marines, May 30, 2008.

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Lt Andrew Grayson Court Martial / Day Three / May 30, Friday

Army investigator testifies in Marine's court-martial, Steve Liewer, San Diego Union Tribune, May 30, 2008.

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Lt Andrew Grayson Court Martial / Day Two / May 29, Thursday

Marine 'lied' over Haditha deaths, BBC News, May 29, 2008

Marine testifies he was ordered to delete Haditha photos, Chelsea J. Carter, Associated Press, May 29, 2008

Attorney: Accused Marine 'fall guy' in Haditha case, Opening statements, testimony kick off court-martial for Lt. Andrew Grayson, Teri Figueroa, North County Times, May 29, 2008.

Defense says Marine was 'fall guy' in Haditha case, Chelsea Carter, Associated Press, May 29, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

Prosecutor says Marine covered up Iraqi civilian killings, Chelsea Carter, Associated Press, May 29, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

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Lt Andrew Grayson Court Martial / Day One / May 28, Wednesday

Jury selection begins in first Haditha court-martial, Teri Figueroa, North County Times, May 28, 2008.

Marine heads to trial on obstruction charges in Haditha case, Chelsea J. Carter, Associated Press, May 28, 2008.

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Memorial Day tribute to the 3/1 Marines: A Day to Remember Those Who Served, Marine-Moms Bethesda, Memorial Day, 2008.

Lt Grayson. Marine officer to stand trial next week in Haditha case, AFP, May 23, 2008.

Fallujah case. Marine Jailed by Federal Judge for Refusing to Testify Against Brother Marine, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, May 22, 2008

Undue influence cited in Chessani case: Ruling by military judge could have major impact in prosecution of Haditha Marine lieutenant colonel, Mark Walker, North County Times, May 21, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

LtCol Chessani. Major Setback for Prosecutors in Chessani Court Martial; Military Judge Finds Evidence
of Unlawful Command Influence, Press release from the Thomas More Law Center, May 21, 2008

Bittersweet Memorial Day: Family of Haditha Defendant Speaks Out for First Time, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, May 19, 2008.

SSgt Wuterich. Haditha Defendant Loses Marine Corps Defense Team, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, May 16, 2008.

Fallujah investigation. Fallujah Marine Given Immunity to Testify Against His Former Squad Leader in Federal Court, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, May 15, 2008.

Iraq: From war zone to courtroom, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, May 13, 2008.

LtCol Chessani. Military judge will hear critical motions in Haditha case, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, May 6, 2008.

LtCol Chessani. Three Iraqis to testify at Pendleton on Haditha killings, Rick Rogers, San Diego Union Tribune, May 5, 2008.

Broomfield fakes it in "The Battle for Haditha", David Allender, Defend Our Marines, May 4, 2008.

"People died because it's war", an interview with "Battle for Haditha" star, Elliot Ruiz, Defend Our Marines, April 12, 2008.

LtCol Chessani. Military judge to hear crucial motions in Haditha case tomorrow, Thomas More Law Center, May 6, 2008.

You read it here first! Court-martial of highest ranking officer charged with crimes at Haditha may be delayed again, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, May 1, 2008.

Defend Our Marines in the news: Massacre Flick Called Fake, April 27, 2008.

Major news! You read it here first! Damage control team failed to prevent Haditha media nightmare, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, April 21, 2008.

Exclusive report on the Fallujah investigation. Marine charged in civilian court with voluntary manslaughter at Fallujah seeks dismissal of charges, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, April 21, 2008.

Now they ignore Haditha: 'Massacre' loses its luster for media now that charges are melting away, Augusta Chronicle editorial, April 17, 2008.

LtCol Chessani. Charges against Haditha commander upheld, Mark Walker, North County Times, April 15, 2008.

LtCol Chessani. Judge delays start of Haditha officer trial to June, Associated Press, April 15, 2008.

LtCol Chessani pre-trial hearing: Murtha, NCIS Sec., and Several Marine Generals Demanded in Unlawful Command Influence Motion, Thomas More Law Center, April 14, 2008.

Lawyers to Expose 'Unlawful Influence' in Haditha Case, Philip V. Brennan, Newsmax, April 14, 2008.

LtCol Chessani. Haditha battalion commander in court next week, Mark Walker, North County Times, April 11, 2008.

New York Times buries Haditha exoneration, Kevin D. Williamson, National Review blog, April 1, 2008.

Lt Andrew Grayson, Ohio Marine To Face Court-Martial Next Month, Associated Press, March 29, 2008.

LCpl Tatum. Marine Charges 'Mistake,' Lawyer Says, Nathaniel R. Helms, Newsmax, March 29, 2008.

LCpl Tatum. Marine cleared in civilian killings in Haditha, Iraq, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, March 29, 2008.

LCpl Tatum. Case against U.S. Marine is dismissed, Paul von Zielbauer, New York Times, March 29, 2008.

Wuterich last [enlisted] Marine to face charges, Adam Wittenberg, Record-Journal (Meriden, CT), March 28, 2008.

LCpl Tatum. Marine Corps drops charges against Haditha defendant, Mark Walker, North County Times, March 28, 2008.

A message from LCpl Tatum's defense team, Defend Our Marines, March 28, 2008.

Major news: Haditha charges against Tatum dropped, Nathaniel R. Helms, Newsmax, March 28, 2008.

Note from the Sharratt family on the eve of the LCpl Tatum court martial, Darryl Sharratt, Defend Our Marines, March 26, 2008.

Haditha Bombshell: Pentagon Had Secret Committee, Phil Brennan, Newsmax, March 26, 2008.

Shadow body monitoring the Haditha prosecution?, Thomas Lifson, American Thinker, March 26, 2008.

Col. Watt testifies: It all started with e-mails from McGirk, Defend Our Marines, March 20, 2008.

LCpl Stephen Tatum. Marine's defense jabs at evidence, San Diego Union-Tribune, March 19, 2008.

LCpl Stephen Tatum. Marine can't show jury polygraph results, North County Times, March 18, 2008.

"Battle for Haditha" bombs in England, David Allender, Defend Our Marines, March 18, 2008.

Haditha defendant ordered to talk: Directive may signal a weakness in government's case against accused Marines,  Mark Walker, North County Times, March 16, 2008.

Lt. Col. Chessani. Marines Fight "Domestic" Enemies, Ros Prynn, News Blaze, March 16, 2008.

Donations accumulate for Wuterich defense, Record-Journal (Meriden, Connecticut), March 15, 2008.

Marines vs Code Pink in Berkeley, Daily Show transcript, March 10, 2008.

Defend Our Marines in the news: Winter Soldiers Face New Law, Denis Keohane, American Thinker, March 9, 2008.

Winter Soldiers on slippery slope to Haditha, Nathaniel R. Helms and David Allender, Defend Our Marines, March 9, 2008.

LCpl Tatum trial now leads the way in the so-called "Haditha Massacre" case, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, March 7, 2008.

Judge won't dismiss charges against Haditha commander, Mark Walker, North County Times, March 5, 2008.

Haditha Cover-Up: Murtha Deposition Nixed, Philip V. Brennan, Newsmax, March 5, 2008.

Judge denies request to interview congressman in Haditha case, Associated Press, March 5, 2008.

Read the press release from LtCol Chessani's attorneys here.

Lt. Andrew Grayson. Hearing scheduled over alleged false statements in Haditha case, San Diego Union Tribune, March 1, 2008.

SSgt Wuterich. Court-martial of Marine postponed over CBS subpoena, Associated Press, March 1, 2008.

Helms to cover Haditha trials for Newsmax, David Allender, Defend Our Marines, February 29, 2008.

LCpl Sharratt. Haditha Marine cleared of murder charges will challenge prosecution, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, February 28, 2008.

Wuterich trial start delayed, Mark Walker, North County Times, February 26, 2008.

SSgt Wuterich. Judge Denies Prosecutors Haditha Footage, Associated Press, February 23, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

SSgt Wuterich. Judge throws out subpeona request, Associated Press, February 21, 2008.

SSgt Wuterich. First Haditha trial set to unfold, Mark Walker, North County Times, February 23, 2008.

SSgt Wuterich. Prosecutors Seek Footage in Haditha Case, Associated Press, February 22, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

Haditha law, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times blog, February 21, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

More problems surfacing in Haditha trials, Mark Walker, North County Times, February 21, 2008.

Prosecutor: Marines witnesses unhelpful, Associated Press, February 20, 2008.

Barrage of Motions Unleashed in Defense of Marine Lieutenant Colonel Chessani -- Hearings Begin Tomorrow, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, February 19, 2008.

Frontline looks at Haditha incident, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, February 19, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

Frontline takes a different look at Haditha, Andrew Perlot, Meriden Record-Journal, February 18, 2008.

Defend Our Marines in the news: PBS program to spotlight Haditha killings, Jay Marks, The Oklahoman, February 17, 2008.

Is Al Qaeda Propaganda Forcing the Marine Corps to Reinvent Itself? by Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, February 15, 2008.

Maj. Jeffrey Dinsmore. Key Witness in Haditha Case to Testify, Philip V. Brennan, Newsmax, February 15, 2008.

Haditha trial keys on three children, Kenneth F. Englade, Washington Times, February 15, 2008.

Major news! You read it here first! Chief Prosecutor in SSgt Wuterich Case Replaced, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, February 15, 2008.

Wuterich attorneys seek to question generals, congressman, Mark Walker, North County Times, February 14, 2008.

LCpl Stephen Tatum. Attempt to Dismiss Charges in Haditha Trial, Associated Press via Fox6, February 14, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

LCpl Stephen Tatum. Haditha defendant ordered to testify against another, Mark Walker, North County Times, February 13, 2008.

Maj. Jeffrey Dinsmore. Prosecutor Seeks to Bar Key Haditha Witness, Philip V. Brennan, Newsmax, February 13, 2008. [Story no longer at original url.]

Haditha film coming to Frontline on PBS, an interview with producer Arun Rath by David Allender, Defend Our Marines, February 11, 2008.

Open Letter to the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps concerning the 3/1 Haditha Marines by Bob Weimann, LtCol USMC Ret, former Commanding Officer Kilo, Company 3/1, Defend Our Marines, February 8, 2008.

Another perspective on Haditha, Thad Coakley, North County Times, February 2, 2008.

SSgt. Frank Wuterich. Iraqis to be questioned in Haditha killings, Mark Walker, North County Times, February 1, 2008

SSgt. Frank Wuterich. Corps subpoenas outtakes from '60 Minutes' interview, Rick Rogers, San Diego Union-Tribune, February 1, 2008.

Lt. Andrew Grayson. Marine officer arraigned in Haditha case: 1st Lt. Andrew Grayson's court-martial to start May 28, Mark Walker, North County Times, January 24, 2008.

Lt. Andrew Grayson. Marine in Haditha case to go on trial in May, Reuters, January 23, 2008.

Lt. Andrew Grayson. Marine does not enter plea in Haditha killings case, Associated Press, January 23, 2008.

Defend Our Marines in the news: Critics at war with military justice, Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, January 19, 2008.

SSgt Wuterich to be first Haditha Marine on trial, Defend Our Marines, January 9, 2008.

Wuterich Continues Murtha Lawsuit Despite Manslaughter Charges, John Bresnahan, CBS News, January 8, 2008.

No murder charges filed in Haditha case: Four Marines to face lesser charges after two-year inquiry into Iraqi killings, by Josh White, Washington Post, January 4, 2008.

Quote: Initially called a massacre by Iraqi residents of Haditha and later characterized as coldblooded murder by a U.S. congressman, the case has turned not on an alleged rampage but on a far more complex analysis of how U.S. troops fight an insurgency in the midst of a population they seek to protect.

SSgt Frank Wuterich. Marine to Answer Haditha Charges, Associated Press, January 9, 2007 [Story no longer at original ul].

Slanderous movie to open in the UK. Contender takes 'Haditha' in U.K., Ali Jaafar, Variety, January 4, 2008.

2007

No massacre in Haditha: New charges refute Murtha, media allegations, by Nat Helms, Defend Our Marines, December 31, 2007.

Defend Our Marines in the news:  Marine faces court-martial in deaths, Anthony Gottschlich, Dayton Daily News, December 31, 2007. 

Lt Andrew Grayson and SSgt Frank Wuterich. Marines order two more Haditha trials, Mark Walker, North County Times, December 31, 2007.

Lt Andrew Grayson and SSgt Frank Wuterich. Court-martial set for Marine accused in Haditha killings, CNN, December 31, 2007.

Haditha and Fallujah cases on the 2008 docket, Mark Walker, North County Times, December 31, 2007.

Major news! You read it here first! Lt Andrew Grayson. Second officer to face court martial for Haditha, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, December 31, 2007.

Man of the Year, 2007: Phil Brennan of Newsmax, Defend Our Marines, December 30, 2007.

A trying year for Marines Corps, Mark Walker, North County Times, December 29, 2007. Also, key dates in cases against Camp Pendleton troops.

Congressman Murtha. Millions in Earmarks Purchase Little of Use, Washington Post, December 29, 2007.

Major news! You read it here first! Big break for Haditha defense: key Marine witness granted immunity, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, December 28, 2007.

Learning to lead when lives are on the line, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, December 23, 2007.

LCpl Stephen Tatum. Marine’s attorney plans to ask for case dismissal, Edmond Sun (Oklahoma), December 20, 2007

LCpl Stephen Tatum. Haditha defendant wants Murtha, Hagee to talk, Teri Figuero, North County Times, December 19, 2007.

LCpl Stephen Tatum. Lawyer in Haditha Case Plans to Depose Murtha, Fox 6, December 19, 2007. [Story no longer at original url.]

LCpl Justin Sharratt. Operation Good Name, Michael Jones, Observer-Reporter, December 16, 2007.

Thanksgiving is no time of joy for families of Marines charged with crimes, Nat Helms, Defend Our Marines,  November 22, 2007.

Major news! You read it here first! Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, Col. Richard G. Sokoloski, and Col. Stephen W. Davis. Letters of censure say senior officers betrayed trust of Marine Corps, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, November 15, 2007.

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Lt Andrew Grayson Article 32 / Day Four / November 17, Saturday

Charges against Haditha defendant questioned, Mark Walker, North County Times, November 17, 2007

Lt Andrew Grayson Article 32 / Day Three / November 16, Friday

Final Haditha hearing set to conclude, Mark Walker, North County Times, November 16, 2007

Lt Andrew Grayson Article 32 / Day Two / November 15, Thursday

Charged Marine praised by fellow officers, Mark Walker, North County Times, November 15, 2007

Haditha hearing judge may step down, Mark Walker, North County Times, November 15, 2007.

Lt Andrew Grayson Article 32 / Day One / November 13, Tuesday

Prosecutor says officer at Haditha lied, Mark Walker, North County Times, November 14, 2007

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Lt Col. Chessani. Chessani reserves plea in Haditha case, Mark Walker, North County Times, November 16, 2007.

Lt Col. Chessani. Battalion commander arraigned on Haditha charges, Mark Walker, North County Times, November 16, 2007.

LCpl. Stephen Tatum. Marine arraigned in Haditha killings, declines to enter plea, Associated Press via The San Jose Mercury News, November 13, 2007.

LCpl. Stephen Tatum and Lt. Andrew Grayson. Marine arraigned in Haditha killings, Mark Walker, North County Times, November 13, 2007

Lt. Andrew Grayson. Next Haditha hearing set for next week, Mark Walker, North County Times, November 8, 2007

Lt. Gen. Samuel T. Helland (new convening authority), Helland assumes I MEF command, North County Times, November 5, 2007

Gen. James Mattis. Marine general bids farewell (Lt. Gen. Helland to take over as convening authority), Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, November 3, 2007.

Court martial for 2 in Haditha deaths, Associated Press, October 19, 2007. [Story no longer at original url.]

Two Haditha Marines face general court-martial, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, October 19, 2007.

Major news: Chessani and Tatum ordered to trial in Haditha killings, Mark Walker, North County Times, October 19, 2007.

LCpl Tatum's lawyers respond to the news...

October 19, 2007
Today charges of murder were dismissed, and lesser charges were referred to trial against Lance Corporal Stephen Tatum. We are very disappointed that the Commanding General did not follow the recommendation to withdraw and dismiss all charges made by the experienced trial judge who heard all the evidence during the Article 32 Investigation.
However, LCpl Tatum did not commit any crime, and we will take the fight to the courtroom. We will vigorously challenge the government's case, and nothing will be left undone in defense of this fine young Marine.
Referring this case to trial imperils every young Marine and soldier who faces a split second decision in combat. The success of future infantry combat operations is at stake. We remain convinced that the military justice system eventually will reach the right result.
Kyle R. Sampson
Jack B. Zimmermann
Attorneys
Zimmermann, Lavine, Zimmermann & Sampson P.C.

SSgt. Wuterich. Recommendation in Haditha killings challenged, Mark Walker, North County Times, October 16, 2007.

Time magazine wants a lynching, not justice (what else is new?): Who will be punished for Haditha?, Time, October 11, 2007

Major news: SSgt Frank Wuterich. Investigating Officer: Drop murder charges against SSgt Frank Wuterich
Official recommends Wuterich should be tried for negligent homicide in deaths of two women, five children, Mark Walker, North County Times, October 3, 2007.

Major news: SSgt Frank Wuterich. Judge orders Murtha to testify in Marine sergeant defamation case, North County Times, September 26, 2007.

The Few, The Proud, The Exonerated, Michael O. Tremoglie, The Philadelphia Bulletin, September 24, 2007.

Officials say evidence shows justification in some Haditha shootings, Rowan Scarborough, The DC Examiner, September 24, 2007.

Gen. James Mattis. Mattis leaves lasting legacy at Camp Pendleton, Mark Walker, North County Times, September 23, 2007.

Major news: Lt. Andrew Grayson. Marine's pretrial hearing in Haditha case scheduled, Rick Rodgers, San Diego Union-Tribune, September 21, 2007.

Confronting Murtha:  Will John Murtha Apologize for Comments?, Hannity & Colmes, Fox News, September 20, 2007.

Maj. Gen. Samuel T. Helland, new convening authority. Helland nominated for lieutenant general, North County Times, September 19, 2007.

Major news: Capt. Lucas McConnell. Charges in Haditha case are dropped. Rick Rodgers, San Diego Union-Tribune, September 19, 2007.

Document administratively clearing Capt McConnell of charges at the link

Major news: Capt. Lucas McConnell / press release from attorney Kevin McDermott. Charges dismissed against company commander in the Haditha, Iraq investigation, Defend Our Marines, September 18, 2007.

Major news! You heard it here first: Capt. Lucas McConnell. Marine Corps Clears Company Commander at Haditha of all Charges, Nat Helms, Defend Our Marines, September 18, 2007.

Haditha Allegations Against 1st Lt Andrew Grayson, press release from attorney Joseph N. Casas, September 12, 2007.

Gen. James Mattis. Bush names head of Norfolk-based Joint Forces Command, Daily Press, September 11, 2007. [Story no longer at original url.]

Lt. Andrew Grayson. Marines assert integrity at Haditha trial, Phillip V. Brennan, Newsmax, September 11, 2007. [Story no longer at original url.]

Lt. Andrew Grayson. Lawyer: Haditha Marine Rejects Plea Deal, Associated Press, September 11, 2007. [Story no longer at original url.]

Gen. James Mattis. Gen. Mattis to receive four-star nomination, Mark Walker, North County Times, September 7, 2007.

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SSgt Frank Wuterich Article 32 / Day Four / September 6, Thursday

Wuterich says he mourns Iraqi deaths; Hearing ends for Marine sergeant at center of Haditha killings, Mark Walker, North County Times, September 7, 2007.

Marine says he mourns the loss of civilians killed in Haditha, Mark Walker, North County Times, September 6, 2007.

Quote: "As a sergeant and a squad leader, I am responsible for the decisions made to employ the tactics we used that day," Wuterich told Lt. Col. Paul Ware. "I will always mourn the unfortunate deaths of the innocent Iraqis who were killed during our response to that attack.
"I will never be OK with what happened that day. One of my Marines got killed, two of them got seriously injured.
"Personally, I feel like there were certain decisions that I made then that I might have changed, such as taking a different route back.
"Families got killed that day and I know I can look at my family and I would not want that to happen to them. I will never be OK with how the events turned out that day."

Sergeant calls killings in Haditha unavoidable, Rick Rogers, San Diego Union Tribune, September 7, 2007.

Marine's defense team ends hearing abruptly, Paul von Zielbauer, New York Times, September 7, 2007.

Marines says he shot five men fleeing bombing, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, September 7, 2007.

Haditha: Regrets dead, but says force needed, Reuters, September 6, 2007.

Marines seeking to determine if Haditha deaths violated rules, Associated Press, September 6, 2007.

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Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, Col. Stephen W. Davis and Col. Robert G. Sokoloski. 3 senior Marine officers disciplined in slayings of 24 civilians in Haditha, Iraq, Associated Press, September 5, 2007. [Story no longer at original url.]

Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, Col. Stephen W. Davis and Col. Robert G. Sokoloski. Three senior Marines are censured in Haditha case, Rick Rodgers, San Diego Union Tribune, September 5, 2007.

Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, Col. Stephen W. Davis and Col. Robert G. Sokoloski. Marines Punish 3 Officers in Haditha Case, Paul von Zielbauer, New York Times, September 5, 2007.

You heard it here first: LtCol Colby Vokey. Marine defender fired, Nat Helms, Defend Our Marines, September 5, 2007.

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SSgt Frank Wuterich Article 32 / Day Three / September 5, Wednesday

Capt. Alfonso Capers. Rules unclear on battlefield, Marine testifies, Rick Rodgers, San Diego Union Tribune, September 6, 2007.

NCIS SA Thomas Brady. Evidence called inconclusive in Wuterich trial, Mark Walker, North County Times, September 5, 2007.

SSgt Travis Fields. Wuterich described as calm, competent, North County Times, September 5, 2007.

Hearing resumes for Marine squad leader accused in Haditha deaths, Associated Press, September 5, 2007.

SSgt Frank Wuterich Article 32 / Day Two / August 31, Friday

Sgt Sanick Dela Cruz. Witness describes Iraq killing: Marine says leader shot Iraqi civilians, Karl Vick, Washington Post, September 1, 2007.

Sgt Sanick Dela Cruz. Sergeant: Superior suggested fatal spree, Rick Rodgers, San Diego Union Tribune, September 1, 2007.

Sgt Sanick Dela Cruz. Witness accuses Marine squad leader: At a a Camp Pendleton hearing on killings in Haditha, Iraq, Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich is said to have told unit members to lie, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, September 1, 2007.

Sgt Sanick Dela Cruz and SSgt Justin Laughner. At Marines' hearing, a testament to violence, Paul Von Zielbauer, New York Times, September 1, 2007.

Sgt Sanick Dela Cruz. Prosecution’s star witness in Haditha case crumbles on the stand, Nathaniel R. Helms, Defend Our Marines, September 1, 2007.

Sgt Sanick Dela Cruz. Marine says squad leader shot unarmed men at Haditha, Reuters, September 1, 2007.

Sgt Sanick Dela Cruz. Marine testifies against former squad leader, Rick Rodgers, San Diego Union Tribune, August 31, 2007.

Spy plane video to be evidence in Haditha killings case, Jamie McIntyre, CNN, August 31, 2007.

SSgt Frank Wuterich Article 32 / Day One / August 30, Thursday

Deadly questions: Far from the Iraq war, Wuterich case opens, Hartford Courant, August 31, 2007. [Story no longer at original url.]

LCpl Humberto Mendoza. Marine says he didn't see defendant shoot, Rick Rogers, San Diego Union Tribune, August 31, 2007.

LCpl Humberto Mendoza. Haditha squad leader in military court, Associated Press, August 30, 2007. (Also in the Washington Post)

LCpl Humberto Mendoza. Marine testifies against accused Haditha ringleader, Reuters, August 30, 2007.

Lt Col Sean Sullivan. Prosecutors says Marine squad leader killed women and children, Mark Walker, North County Times, August 30, 2007.

Wuterich hearing in Haditha killings underway at Camp Pendleton, Mark Walker, North County Times, August 30, 2007.

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Lt. Col. Chessani. Additional charges for Marine officer in Haditha deaths, Associated Press, August 30, 2007.

Lt. Col. Chessani. Additional Charges Preferred Against Marine in Haditha Case, Press release, August 30, 2007. [Story no longer at original url.]

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