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Subscribe to RSSVillagers who witnessed the methodical killing are asking for an execution and the U.S. is reportedly considering charges that would carry the death penalty for the soldier who allegedly killed 16 Afghan civilians. NBC's Richard Engel reports.
Defense officials have told NBC News that the Army staff sergeant who allegedly shot and killed 16 Afghan civilians, including nine children, admitted his actions to fellow soldiers just before he was taken into custody.
"I did it," he is said to have told them.
According to the officials, a search party that included helicopters was formed after an Afghan soldier reported the American had left their small remote outpost in the early morning hours. In the meantime, the base received word that a number of civilians had been killed in a shooting spree at a nearby village.
Overhead surveillance first spotted the soldier on his stomach in a field, either attempting to hide or crawl toward the base. He eventually stood up and walked a short distance to the base where he was confronted and asked about the shootings at the village. The officials say the staff sergeant replied "I did it." At that point he was disarmed and taken into custody. He then asked for a lawyer and has refused to talk ever since.
The officials also said they’ve received reports that the soldier was having marital problems and had recently received a troubling letter or email from his wife. According to one official, after four combat deployments it’s not unusual there would be stress on the family.
Defense officials also told NBC News that investigators have reason to believe that alcohol "may" have been a contributing factor in the shooting spree.
The investigation found bottles of alcohol on the small remote base where the staff sergeant was deployed. The officials emphasize "may" because they say that nowhere in the reporting from the field is there any indication the staff sergeant was inebriated.
The soldier, reportedly married with two children, enlisted in the Army soon after the terror attacks of Sept. 11 and did three combat tours in Iraq before arriving in Kandahar, near where the shootings took place, in December 2011.
US soldier accused in Afghan massacre had brain injury history
Reports that the soldier had received post-traumatic stress disorder examinations are not unusual, since every soldier coming out of combat is routinely screened for PTSD.
The soldier suffered some minor traumatic brain injury in a rollover in Iraq in 2010, but that part of his medical history does not appear at this point to be a factor, according to the officials. They also said the man has a clean medical and behavior record.
Obama: Killing Afghans as serious as killing Americans
Col. Gary Kolb, a spokesman for the U.S.-led military coalition in Kabul, told The Associated Press a 48-hour probable cause assessment has been completed and that the service member continues to be confined.
Additionally, the officials told NBC News that the the military is considering capital murder charges against the soldier, meaning he could face the death penalty if convicted. They said the military also intends to conduct his court martial hearing in Afghanistan. Not only would it send the right signal to the Afghan people, officials said, but trying him in the United States or another country in the region would also present a logistics nightmare given the number of witnesses that would be expected to testify.
Military investigators in Afghanistan hope to file charges and release the identity of the soldier by the end of the week, but warn it could take another two weeks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
On Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where the soldier suspected of shooting 16 Afghan civilians came from, the military had previously launched an investigation into the military installation's health care system after nearly 300 soldiers had their PTSD diagnoses reversed. NBC's Miguel Almaguer reports.
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- Soldier accused in Afghan massacre could get death penalty
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There is no reason to remain in Afghanistan. It doesn't matter what side you're on, after this incident, the Afghan people will never respect whatever we try or have tried to do; America will be reviled and the Taliban will become stronger. The only logical thing to do is to leave, use our intelligence sources to ensure we are not attacked again, and pray that we don't have to go back into Afghanistan again.
I was screaming that the day we went over there. We had already learned our lessons prior to the Bush dynasty. When terrorists strike, do we really want to spend $4Trillion to find & kill their leader? No sooner have you done that and you will have another one right there to take his place. What did this accomplish?
Hopefully bankrupting our economy for NO GOOD REASON will have a larger impact on future decisions. I seriously doubt it though - this country will be totally screwed if Santorum gets into office.
GWB can STILL GO TO HELL (in a handbasket if he'd like)
I voted for Obama to get us the hell out of there as he said he would do - well @!$%# HIM TOO.
Ron Paul 2012
I have News for every one, We are over there to bring peace and democracy to them savages right? Well they do not want it nor do they need it! It is time we stop spreading our way of life onto them that wish not to have it! Obama is apologizing All the time for every thing! He is the President of the United states and he is making us look like crap all over the world ! It is time we get out of there! We need to leave and never go back no matter WHAT!
We went over there to weaken or destroy the Taliban so that the United States would not be attacked again.
I don't see this as completly this solders fault, did he do it yes was it wrong yes. Our government, army, the whole system let him and many more like him down. What do you expect when you send these guys or allow these guys to deploy more than one or two times. It proves one thing the system is broke. the army or for that matter government don't give a rats a## about these solders. They talk a good talk but that's about the end of it. Now this guy is going to be crucified in the media and by the administration he was serving. You can bet one thing Obama will cast his a## to the dogs before he lets this hurt his precious Muslim world relation's, he is more worried about them than his own soldiers.
This soldier has deep, deep issues. Maybe from the brain injury, or another cause. Problem is the Afghans don't want to understand mental defects, since most of them think being defective IS normal.
The troops really should be coming home. No good can come from our overextended presence there. I think Obama would have been called home our troops if not for the vicious and criticizing nature of Americans here at home--along with that creep Rush Limbaugh. You conservative critics often handcuff the prez from making sound and commonsense decisions even though he is still performing commendably.
Everytime Obama do something, you conservatives jump all over him with your twisted and skeptical opinions (like the oil pipeline project). Really makes it hard for him to lead the country. Have you tried shuttin up with all your verbal and derogatory attacks. Maybe something will get done.
How can someone who served four tours of duty be so dam weak that a breakup would cause him to anniliate another family????? WTF - hope the self centered bas terd gets life behind bars - death is too good for him.
REALLY!!!???????? YOU MUST HAVE A PREFECT LIFE!!!!!!!! WTF!!!!!!!
@Marlena-3437573 --- You seem to be an expert! Please cite your military experience and the number of combat tours you've completed, or did you gain all your insight at the shopping mall or while posting. We need a National Draft to enlighten people of your ilk. You have the makings of a great mine detector. A combat engineer unit would love to utilize your physical skills and mental abilities.
Whereas you would just be a freakin' hoot to live with, ammirite Marlene? You are the type of woman who makes me thank God He made me Gay. I served 21 yrs in the USN (my husband served 20, btw) and I had to counsel too many Sailors who received Dear John letters: one threw himself overboard at sea and we had to drag him out while he fought with the rescue swimmers, another tried to drink bleach, and a young woman threw herself out of a third-storey barracks window. This Soldier spent between four to six years of the last ten in combat zones and all his wife can think of is what boils down to: "I am lonely without you so I am leaving you forever." Estrogen logic at it's finest. So, c'mon Marlene, answer us honestly: I'm 4th generation career military on my father's side (Infantry, Calvalry, USAAF/USAF) and my sister (USAF 1964-1968), mother (WAAFS 1943-1945; her first husband died in WW2) and even my maternal grandmother (Yeomanette USN 1917-1919) served. What is your expertise on the psyche of military life? Good God, I'm freakin' Gay and I've got more courage than you. Oh, and btw: I've got my BA (GI Bill), own my home free and clear (ditto) and I'm a Teamster. Renewing national conscription for men and women is an admirable idea: it would lower unemployment, bring our diverse peoples together into a common bond and interest, and get basement-dwelling Grendels away from their mothers for at least three years. NC Vet - thank you for your Service.
Oh, and Marlene: it's spelled "turd." Really - you can't even spell that but you feel qualified to comment on the complications of emotional and physical stress? Wow. For you, it's not Twitter - it's Tourette's.
Witnesses? What witnesses? There are no witnesses to the actual shooting, all they have is a simple "I did it". This admission really does not prove he did indeed do this.
Which is why we have trials. But it looks pretty darn evident as to what happened!
Spoken like a true pussy DRP. It's war. @!$%# happens. Get over it. Better yet, get up off the couch and go join the Marine Corps and put your ass on the line for once in your life. Did you whine when all the Americans were murdered in Irag and Afghanistan? I doubt it.
When a Christian or Jew kills innocent people, Christians and Jews fully support their prosecution and punishment. When someone from their religion kills innocent people, it's ok because the religion justifies it. What does that say about that religion?
This incident is a sad example of what happens in war. G.W.Bush invaded Iraq under false pretences and lit the fuse for global conflict.
Vappy, I suppose if you had a flat tire, that would be Bush's fault. Do you realize how redundant that has become?
This dude messed up plain and simple, he killed 16 presumably innocent people. The ONLY thing I can say in his defense is that it does NOT matter that he killed women and children. I have been over there myself and have seen both women and children wielding firearms against U.S. troops. So in my personal opinion it doesn't matter what age or gender the combatant is, if they fire at you, you've got every right to fire back (depending on the situation that is). Still the point is that he killed 16 presumably innocent AND unarmed human beings, his ass is going to fry for this.
really 'just as serious' as them killing americans. is that all? than why did he apologize for it? they have never apologized for killing americans. so if it's only 'that' important, i guess it's not really important at all. maybe he should just cut to the chase and apologize to the world that america exists at all.
This is a terrible, terrible thing. I do not wish to condone this soldier's actions, not one little bit, not in any way. It was a terrible, terrible thing. But those soldiers are stressed to the max.
For over tens years now these soldiers have been put in the position of having to walk between the people who are killing them while being told they must restrain themselves - because they just do not know for sure which one of those people took the shot. Can you even imagine how stressful that is? I doubt it.
We need to get the f'ing hell out of there!
Then succinctly state to the Afghans as the last person leaves - this was your problem... we tried to take care of it for you (though poorly, we'll give you that)... but you decided to screw with us so understand this... keep shooting at us and we will be back... but this time we won't be telling our people to restrain themselves. And we no longer care who actually took the shot... if they are standing behind you... we will shoot through you to get them. You'll be just fine as long as nobody shoots at us.
There... it is your problem again.
This is either good-bye, or, until next time. Pray it is good-bye.
Since the "people" over there who are killing our troops do not wear uniforms, who is to really say the 16 were innocent. The native fighers have been know to use women, children and even babies .
You are sick! They were sleeping. People are people, and that type of ethnocentric thinking is dangerous!
Stevo: True, they were sleeping... and if they were indeed innocents, this soldier must be tried and prosecuted for this act IF he is found guilty (and I presume he is).
The problem is, who knows what acts these victims may have committed during their waking hours? It's pretty hard to tell the innocents from the enemy when they dress alike, protect each other, and use each other as "camouflage". How many women and children have detonated bombs that killed our servicemen for their "cause", whatever that cause may be? This "war on terror", like Viet Nam, is unlike any "normal" war, where the combatants are clearly identifiable by their uniforms, and only uniformed soldiers are the enemy. I certainly do NOT condone this soldier's apparent actions, and I'm not trying to make excuses for them, but I think we're in a "war" in which we will never be able to declare victory. It's time we realized that, and brought our troops home.
Go back and read the account of the My Lei Massacre by Lt. Calley, albeit his actions were on a much larger scale. Nevertheless, executing innocent men, women and children is never right, cannot be considered collateral damage if they were specifically targeted, and should be punishable to the fullest extent of the law, military and civilian.
very simply, sad for all involved, yes even the soldier who shot those 16 people, I feel for all of them, it's time to wrap this up and bring these men and women home
I don't remember anyone cheering when we first went in, but most of us agreed that getting osama was a prime objective & necessary. I for one still agree with that assessment. Having said this I also think it is long past due for our complete withdrawal. OsamaBinDead !!!
As for the troops still there, I support them completely. They are soldiers, & once you join you don't get to pick & choose your duty or your commanders. They know this when they join. Occasionally we get someone who is not fit for duty, or becomes unfit. It is not always easy to make this determination & may take some time. We always hope to see it before something like this happens, but in reality this can not always be done. How is this different from civilian life. There have been a lot of shootings through out the US in recent years in our schools, offices, & factories. Not much difference. Stress whether in combat or in life on the street can be a real killer.
I agree with there decision to hold the court martial in Afghanistan for the reasons stated in the article. It just makes sense. As for the possibility of the death sentence, yes it may be called for. Thankfully that wont be my decision.
Hope all of our men & women come home soon.
Thank you for one of the only common sense/ thoughtful responses I've read on here.
Oh! So you're the "intellectual police officer" MSNBC left in charge. Opinions vary!
I am so so sorry for all the victims, and especially for the soldier and his family. As my daughter is in Kandahar, I am extremely upset and worried for her safety. This is her third deployment; her first to Afghanistan. She is very brave and I have me a lot of very brave soldiers since her entry into the Army. I am so proud of all of the young men and women who have braved such horrible events and experiences. I can tell you it has taken a toll. My dad was in WWII and suffered PTS, but the Navy did not know what it was back then. I was a teenager during the Vietnam War. I can tell you the effects of war will show up, it is just a matter of time, and a matter of degree. I pray every day for all the young men and women in Afghanistan and even Iraq. But do not even tell me that the right wing is now trying to say they want out of Afghanistan sooner. Really? They have been telling people it is not really a "war". What an insult to all who have served and lost life and limb there. God bless the true Americans in all over seas conflicts and wars. We love you.\
I have to wonder, since everyone here is essentially anonymous and can choose whatever screen name they want as long as it's unique, for all we know Joe Smith is really Abdullah Ahmed El Zwahiri. How many people screaming for this guys execution really wear tablecloths on their heads.
4 tours in a combat zone is looking for trouble and it is hell on a marriage. 10 years we've been over there. Enough is enough. Had we known the war was going to take this long I don't think we would have gone.
As for those killed being unarmed, unless our troops manage to kill every afgan in an area, and collect both the bodies and the weapons at the same time, every Afgan becomes an unarmed innocent within a matter of minutes. The Afgans do not leave any weapons behind with their dead. They try to salvage all weapons even the damaged ones, just in case the parts can be used to repair other damaged weapons.
No accuse to knowingly kill civilians or anyone. How long do you send someone into combat and have them sit there and watch a bunch of dogs pick them off one at a time before someone breaks. What about the muslim devil that killed our troops were is he today?? Watching TV and living off the US tax payers waiting to get out to do it all over again. Its war this is the evil of war whats the difference when these muslim killers blow up every anybody around even there own family if they believe in Jesus. Something is mentally and moroilly wrong with anybody killing for there cause. Besides this is mr o- no's and the dem-A-Rats fault they had 3.3 years to bring our troops home and close down Guantanamo, what do they do? build the enemy and play ground to plot there next killing spree. The dem-A-dogs jumped all over Bush and everyone that disagreed with the mentally unbalanced godless perverted way of thinking. Didn't the o run on that before you idiots voted it into office??? Empty out the killers in prisons in exchange for our troops let them live and fight with these rats. Russia walked away within 2 years, the current left nut jobs want to make nice talkie talk to killers. Bottom line these people have one goal and that is to destroy Israel and the US. The dems alike want to bankrupt us a tax ansd spend all from within. Don't forget they spent approx 5 trillion in 3.3 years MOST in History. Look at the national debt clock we are BROKE, 4 more years and the US will become a 3 world nation tied to the eu and the un. All this may sound bad but it is still a great time to be alive knowing our King is soon coming. Trust In Him and VOTE them out before it is to late.
Bullcrap
The Army and the Obama administration appear to want to crucify this poor guy---four combat tours?? suffered a roll-over maybe via a roadside bomb?? family falling apart due to his extended absences???----how much more does someone have to give for his country??? How about Obama doing some time on the ground in Iraq or Afghanistan. The soldier snapped, with maybe the final straw being our Afghan "friends" killing U.S. troops and filling the streets screaming for "blood of the invaders" (i.e., that's us folks!!). U.S. citizenry need to send Obama a clear message: Get the hell out of Afghanistan now!!! Obama's "surge" of troops to Afghanistan to expand the U.S, presence is akin to Lyndon Johnson's sending millions of American kids to Viet Nam to fight a senseless, unwinnable war.
Death: Another reference to the similarity between the current situation and Viet Nam...I thought maybe I was the only one who saw it. We find ourselves engaged in a war with no clear objective or motivation to win, and no way to even identify what a "win" would look like.
No amount of "nation building" is going to be effective with a culture that is tribal based. Let's bring our troops home now!
I say pull out All troops from the middle east and Afghanistan and turn them all to glass. Just end it. Please Mom, just flush them all away.
To all you dumasses out there. He was examined for PSD. The article didn't say that he was diagnosed with PSD. Fine tune your reading skills.
And we all know what a perfect science psychiatry is. Look at any criminal trial where the defendants mental capacity is in question. Each side will have a psychiatrist with varying opinions. A psychiatrist will most likely spin the exam in favor of who paying their salary.
And just so you know....most of us educated dumbasses call it PTSD and not PSD........just so you know....maybe, just maybe you are the one who needs to fine tune their reading and/or typing skills before you call everyone dumbasses........