Court-martial recommended for Camp Pendleton Marine



CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) A hearing officer is recommending a court-martial for a Camp Pendleton Marine charged with murdering an Iraqi detainee captured during fierce fighting in Fallujah.

The officer said in his findings earlier this week that there is sufficient evidence against Sergeant Jermaine Nelson to order him to trial.

Nelson is one of three Marines accused of shooting unarmed captives in November of 2004 during some of the heaviest fighting of the war. Nelson has said he was following orders from his squad leader, who is also charged.

Nelson is charged with a single murder count and five counts of dereliction of duty. He faces life imprisonment if he is tried and convicted on the murder charge.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-25-08 1320CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list