JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — A hearing for the first of five soldiers accused of deliberately killing Afghan civilians this year has begun with more than a dozen witnesses asserting their right to remain silent — including the lieutenant who headed their platoon.
Cpl. Jeremy Morlock of Wasilla, Alaska, faces charges including premeditated murder in the deaths of three civilians. Army prosecutors are relying heavily on statements Morlock made in which he described the plot as an effort to murder the civilians for sport.
The hearing will determine whether Morlock's case proceeds to a court martial.
Thirteen witnesses asserted their right to remain silent, including other defendants and 1st Lt. Roman G. Ligsay, who was removed leadership of the platoon but isn't charged.
Morlock's attorney insists his statements are unreliable because they were made under the influence of prescription drugs.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AP) — A hearing is under way at Joint Base Lewis-McChord to consider evidence against the first of five soldiers accused of killing three Afghan civilians this year.
Cpl. Jeremy Morlock of Wasilla, Alaska, faces charges including premeditated murder and conspiracy. He told an investigating judge he understood the charges.
The soldiers are accused of killing three civilians in Kandahar Province. Army prosecutors are relying on statements Morlock made in which he described the plot as a deliberate effort led by Staff Sgt. Calvin Gibbs to murder the civilians for sport. The judge said he watched a video of Morlock's statements, portions of which have been aired by ABC News.
Morlock's attorney says his statements are unreliable because they were made under the influence of prescription drugs.