Sniper convicted of killing unarmed Iraqi

Army Sgt. Evan Vela waits for the verdict outside the courthouse in Camp Liberty in Baghdad on Feb. 10. Vela was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of an Iraqi civilian. Vela, 24, was found guilty of murder without premeditation, aiding and abetting in the planting of an AK-47 on the dead man's body and of later lying to military investigators about the incident.


Sniper convicted of killing unarmed Iraqi
By Bradley Brooks - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Feb 11, 2008 5:50:13 EST

BAGHDAD — An Army sniper was sentenced to 10 years in prison Sunday, hours after being found guilty of murder by a military jury.

The trial of Sgt. Evan Vela was the last of three in a series of shooting deaths south of Baghdad that defense lawyers said took place under command pressure to increase kill counts, and, perhaps, employ questionable tactics while doing so.

Vela, 24, was found guilty of murder without premeditation, aiding and abetting in the planting of an AK-47 on the dead man’s body and of later lying to military investigators about the incident.

He was also sentenced to forfeit all pay and allowances and will receive a dishonorable discharge. The case is automatically referred to a military appeals court.

Vela has been in confinement in Kuwait since July 1. That time will be credited to his sentence, the judge said.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_vela_080210/