Inquiry in Haditha slayings continues

By Rick Rogers

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

May 27, 2006

A probe into what is being described as the execution of Iraqi civilians by local Marines in November continues at Camp Pendleton, where it was announced yesterday that other Marines are being held in a separate investigation of the death of an Iraqi man in April.

The larger incident took place in the town of Haditha after a roadside bomb killed a member of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment on Nov. 19.

Initial reports said the civilians who were killed had died in the blast and a subsequent firefight, but details later emerged to bring that version into question.
The April 26 death happened in Hamandiyah, a village west of Baghdad. It involved members of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.

A statement released yesterday at Camp Pendleton said: “A decision was made to place several (3/5) Marines in pre-trial confinement and several in pre-trial base restriction at Camp Pendleton pending the potential results of the investigation. The Marine Corps prides itself on its history and its demanding moral code, and we will continue to ensure that all of our values are upheld.”

It is unclear whether any Marines connected to the Haditha investigation are being held at Camp Pendleton.

Dave Brahms, a Carlsbad attorney retained by a Marine involved in the Haditha investigation, fears that his client's rights – and those of other Marines – are being undermined by leaks to the media.

“The Pentagon and administration are turning this into a trial in the media,” said Brahms, who would not say who he represents. “These guys (Marines) have been put on a spit and turned slowly. What isn't being a reported is that an Army colonel did an investigation and came away with a sense that all was well.”

Both Camp Pendleton-based battalions are part of the 1st Marine Division and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, commanded by Lt. Gen. John Sattler.

A Marine Corps spokesman, Lt. Col. Sean Gibson, said Sattler ultimately will decide whether any Marines are tried at a court-martial or disciplined administratively.