Jury rules no extra prison for Marine who killed Iraqi, do you agree? Why?

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:13:48 -0400

After hours of emotional stories from the battlefield and the home front, a jury of six Marines decided Lawrence Hutchins III, 31, should get no additional prison time beyond the roughly seven years and two months he already served for murdering an Iraqi civilian.

Thursday’s decision came just a day after the same jury convicted him of unpremeditated murder in the 2006 killing in Hamdania, Iraq, and brought an overnight swing for the Marine and his family.

Do you agree?

http://popularmilitary.com/jury-rules-no-extra-prison-for-marine-who-killed-iraqi/

Jury rules no extra prison for Marine who killed Iraqi

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) — A Marine staff sergeant told military jurors that everyone looked up to Lawrence Hutchins III, his squad leader. Hutchins’ 11-year-old daughter said it was “sheer terror” to live without her father. After hours of emotional stories from the battlefield and the home front, a jury of six Marines decided Lawrence …

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 19 at 2015 7:33 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:33:19 -0400

This case became so convoluted that I don't know that Justice is possible with it. I trust in the Court Martial system. The safeguards are some of the best of the criminal justice system, but when a conviction gets overturned twice, and they go back for round three... and most of the witnesses refuse to testify again, with comments including fear of perjury charges if they support him, I start to have doubts about whether things as presented are accurate.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 19 at 2015 7:48 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:48:18 -0400

Other (because there is always an other):

Some key points here.

1. It was not premeditated murder which does generally have much lighter sentences.
2. His original sentence was 15 years, but was reduced to 11.
3. He has served the majority of the original sentence, and depending on civilian jurisdiction, may have qualified for early release
4. He had the stiffest sentence of anyone involved in the incident.

I would have to see what the standard sentencing and actual sentence served data to make a educated opinion if this if "fair" or "right".

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jun 19 at 2015 9:09 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:09:09 -0400

And my opinion, for no matter since it influences nothing, is that the original sentence was too long by at least 2X!

Response by SFC Jason Porter made Jun 19 at 2015 9:41 PM

SFC Jason Porter — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:41:07 -0400

Time served time to go home Marine!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2015 2:38 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 02:38:46 -0400

The things that go through ones mind in the fog of war are unexplainable. For many they can discern what is right and wrong. But others get the ice in the veins that leads them in the wrong direction and everyone is the enemy. If he is really remorseful and regrets his actions then yes, maybe he has served long enough. I am not a Physiatrist and don't even want to guess what went through this young mans head.

Response by James Jones made Jun 20 at 2015 2:45 AM

James Jones — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 02:45:39 -0400

He should've gotten 20.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 20 at 2015 4:05 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 04:05:20 -0400

Send SGT Hutchins home!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 22 at 2015 7:28 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 19:28:48 -0400

I believe he has served his time and what he did will follow him the rest of his life. He knows the truth and he will have to live with that forever. His days of paying for the crime have just begun as he moves back into society!

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Jun 22 at 2015 10:02 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 22:02:40 -0400

He murdered a man, 7 years isn't enough for a murder in my mind. I can't be biased because its a Marine killing an Iraqi. Many people serving 25 to life wish or would go back undo their crimes. That innocent man killed doesn't get HIS life back.