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Killing of Iraqi Civilians Index

Killings Database – Year 2007

 

 

The Baghdad Prisoner Killings - April/May 2007

 

Background

Media Reports

Military Reports

Photo Credits

 

Newest media report: Four Iraqis Were Allegedly Killed to Prevent Release (6/12/2008/Stars and Stripes)

Newest military report: No. 24110801 (25/11/2008/7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office)

 

Background

 

“[…] Staff Sgt. Jess Cunningham, Sgt. Charles Quigley, Spc. Stephen Ribordy, and Spc. Belmor Ramos were charged Monday with conspiracy to commit premeditated murder under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to a news release issued Tuesday by 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command. The charges against the men stem from an incident that occurred in Baghdad in ‘April/May 2007’ while the soldiers were serving in the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, part of the 1st Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, according to the Tuesday press release. The 2nd BCT reflagged in March as the 172nd Infantry. […]

 

“Documents providing additional details of the charges against four Germany-based soldiers implicated in the deaths of ‘several’ detainees in Iraq in 2007 were not released as expected Wednesday, as military legal experts considered what information could be released to the public. […]”

 

Excerpt of a “Stars and Stripes” article from July 24th, 2008.

Accused soldier: Jess Cunningham

 

Media Reports

 

December 6th, 2008 - Four Iraqis Were Allegedly Killed to Prevent Release

1 news article from Stars and Stripes

 

December 5th, 2008 - Testimony Doesn’t Link US Soldier to 4 Dead Iraqis

2 news articles from the Associated Press & Stars and Stripes

 

December 4th, 2008 - Detainee Killings Were for Revenge, Witnesses Testify

1 news article by Stars and Stripes

 

December 3rd, 2008 - US Soldier Faces Hearing in 2007 Deaths of Iraqis

1 news article by the Associated Press

 

November 30th, 2008 - Hearing Set for Soldier in Detainee Deaths Case

1 news article by Stars and Stripes

 

November 26th, 2008 - Soldier Will be Tried in Deaths of Iraqis

1 news article by Stars and Stripes

 

November 20th, 2008 - 2 U.S. Troops Charged in Murder of Iraqis

1 news article by CBS News

 

November 13th, 2008 - US Soldier to be Court-Martialed in Iraq Deaths

1 news article by the Associated Press

 

November 12th, 2008 - US Soldier to Face Court Martial over Iraqi Deaths

1 news article by the Associated Press

 

November 7th, 2008 - 2 Accused in Iraqi Deaths Face More Charges

1 news article by Stars and Stripes

 

October 2nd, 2008 - US Soldier Pleads Guilty in Iraq Killings

2 news articles by the Associated Press & Agence France Presse

 

September 20th, 2008 - Jailed Soldier’s Mom Says He was Caught in ‘Bad Situation’

1 news article by Deseret News

 

September 18th, 2008 - US Soldier Gets 7-Month Sentence in Iraq Killings

2 news articles by the Associated Press & Agence France Presse

 

September 17th, 2008 - 3 US Soldiers Charged with Murder in Iraqi Deaths

1 news article by the Associated Press

 

September 12th, 2008 - 2 US Soldiers to Face Court-Martial in Iraq Deaths

1 news article by the Associated Press

 

September 1st, 2008 - GIs go from Informants to Defendants

1 news article by Stars and Stripes

 

August 28th, 2008 - US Army Hearing on Death of 4 Iraqis Ends

1 news article by the Associated Press

 

August 27th, 2008 - US Army Continues Iraq Murder Conspiracy Hearing

1 news article by the Associated Press

 

August 26th, 2008 - U.S. Soldiers Executed Iraqis, Statements Say

1 news article by the New York Times

 

July 31st, 2008 - US Troops Charged in Iraq Deaths to Face Tribunal

1 news article by the Associated Press

 

July 30th, 2008 - Army Says U.S. Soldiers Shot Detainees at Iraq Canal

1 news article by Stars and Stripes

 

July 25th, 2008 - Accused Soldier’s Friends Say the Charges Are Hard to Believe

1 news article by the Bakersfield Californian

 

July 24th, 2008 - Army not Releasing Details in Detainee Deaths Case

1 news article by Stars and Stripes

 

July 23rd, 2008 - Four US Soldiers Charged with Conspiracy to Murder Iraqis

1 news article by Agence France Presse

 

July 22nd, 2008 - 4 US Soldiers Charged in Detainee Deaths in Iraq

1 news article by the Associated Press

 

 

Charges & Sentences by the U.S. Military Tribunal in Vilseck, Germany

Defendants

Original Main Charges

Sentences

Sentencing Dates

Jess Cunningham

conspiracy to commit premeditated murder

-

-

John Hatley

premed. murder, conspiracy, obstruction of justice

-

-

Michael Leahy

premed. murder, conspiracy, obstruction of justice

-

-

Joseph Mayo

premed. murder, conspiracy, obstruction of justice

-

-

Charles Quigley

conspiracy to commit premeditated murder

-

-

Belmor Ramos

conspiracy to commit premeditated murder

7 months confinement

September 18th, 2008

Steven Ribordy

conspiracy to commit premeditated murder

8 months confinement

October 2nd, 2008

 

Military Reports

 

November 25th, 2008 - No. 24110801

Press Release by the 7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office Grafenwöhr, Germany

 

“[…] On Nov. 21, 2008, Brig. Gen. David R. Hogg, the Commanding General of the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command, referred charges to general courts-martial against Sgt. Michael P. Leahy, Jr., 26, a soldier formerly assigned to 1st Batt., 18th Inf. Regt. in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

 

“A date for the court-martial has not been scheduled at this time.

 

“The following charges were preferred on Sept. 16, 2008 at Grafenwoehr, Germany. The accused was charged with one specification of a violation of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Article 118, premeditated murder; one specification of Article 81, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder; and one specification of Article 134, obstruction of justice. These charges relate to an incident that occurred during March/April 2007 at or near Baghdad, Iraq.

 

“Leahy is also charged with crimes stemming from a separate incident that occurred in early Jan. 2007 at or near Baghdad, Iraq. Based on this incident, he is charged with a specification of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, and one specification of a violation of Article 78, accessory after the fact […]”

 

November 20th, 2008 - No. 20110801

Press Release by the 7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office Grafenwöhr, Germany

 

“[…] On Nov. 17, 2008, the Commanding General of the 7th U.S. Army Joint Multinational Training Command referred charges to general courts-martial against Staff Sgt. Jess Cunningham, 27, and Sgt. Charles Quigley, 28, both formerly of the 1st Batt., 18th Inf. Regt.

 

“The Soldiers are charged with conspiracy to commit premeditated murder. The charges relate to an incident that occurred during April/May 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq.

 

“A date for the court-martials has not been scheduled at this time. […]”

 

October 2nd, 2008 - Specialist Steven Ribordy Sentenced

Press Release by the 7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office Grafenwöhr, Germany

 

“[…] Spc. Steven Ribordy, 25, will serve eight months confinement for his role in an incident that occurred during March/April 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq.

 

“Accusations against Ribordy were dismissed related to the charge of conspiracy to commit premeditated murder. However, Ribordy pleaded guilty as an accessory after the fact.

 

“As part of his guilty plea, Ribordy has agreed to testify in the trials of the other Soldiers involved, if needed. Legal actions are still pending against five other Soldiers from the 1st Batt., 18th Inf. Regt., for crimes associated with the incident.

 

“The sentencing took place after about an hour of deliberation by the military judge at the courthouse in Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany. Ribordy’s sentence also included a reduction to the rank of private (E1), forfeiture of all pay and allowances and a bad conduct discharge from the U.S. Army. […]”

 

September 18th, 2008 - 1-18 Soldier Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Pre-Meditated Murder

Press Release by the 7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office Grafenwöhr, Germany

 

“[…] Spc. Belmor Ramos, 23, will be dishonorably discharged and serve seven months confinement for his role in an incident that occurred during March/April 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq.

 

“Ramos, a soldier assigned to the 1st Batt., 18th Inf. Regt. pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, today. As part of his guilty plea, Ramos agreed to testify in the trials of the other Soldiers charged, if needed. 

 

“Criminal charges have been preferred against Master Sgt. John E. Hatley, 40; Sgt. 1st Class Joseph P. Mayo, 27; Sgt. Michael P. Leahy, Jr., 26; Staff Sgt. Jess Cunningham, 27; Sgt. Charles Quigley, 28, and Spc. Steven Ribordy, 25.

 

“The sentencing took place after about 45 minutes, concluding the court-martial proceedings against him at the courthouse in Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany. Ramos’s sentence also included a reduction to the rank of private (E1), forfeiture of all pay and allowances and a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Army. […]”

 

September 17th, 2008 - Three Additional 1-18 Soldiers Charged in the Murder of Iraqi Civilians

Press Release by the 7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office Grafenwöhr, Germany

 

“[…] On Sept. 16, 2008, criminal charges were preferred against Master Sgt. John E. Hatley, 40; Sgt. 1st Class Joseph P. Mayo, 27; and Sgt. Michael P. Leahy, Jr., 26; all formerly assigned to 1st Batt., 18th Inf. Regt.

 

“All three Soldiers are charged with one specification of a violation of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Article 118, premeditated murder; one specification of a violation of the UCMJ, Article 81, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder; and one specification of a violation of the UCMJ, Article 134, obstruction of justice. These charges relate to an incident that occurred during March/April 2007 at or near Baghdad, Iraq.

 

“Hatley and Leahy were also charged with crimes stemming from a separate incident that occurred in early Jan. 2007 at or near Baghdad, Iraq. Based on this incident, both are charged with one additional specification of a violation of the UCMJ, Article 118, premeditated murder, and one additional specification of a violation of Article 81, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder. Leahy was also charged with one specification of a violation of Article 78, accessory after the fact. […]”

 

September 12th, 2008 - Two 1-18 Soldiers Referred to Courts-Martial

Press Release by the 7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office Grafenwöhr, Germany

 

“[…] On Sept. 8, 2008, the Commanding General of the 7th US Army Joint Multinational Training Command, referred charges to general courts-martial against Spc. Belmor Ramos, 23, and Spc. Steven Ribordy, 25, of 1st Batt., 18th Inf. Regt. Both Soldiers are charged with conspiracy to commit premeditated murder. Spc. Ribordy is also charged with accessory after the fact. The charges relate to an incident that occurred during March/April 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq. These Soldiers have waived their right to have their cases heard at an Article 32 hearing, which is similar to a civilian grand jury investigation.

 

“On Aug. 28, in Vilseck, Germany, the Army concluded an Article 32 investigation for two other Soldiers, Sgt. Jess Cunningham, 27, and Sgt. Charles Quigley, 28, also charged with conspiracy to commit premeditated murder. Those cases have not been referred to trial and are pending the recommendation of the presiding investigating officer. […]”

 

July 29th, 2008 - News Release No. 29070801

Press Release by the 7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office Grafenwöhr, Germany

 

“[…] The pre-trial investigation under Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice into criminal charges against Staff Sergeant Jess Cunningham, Sergeant, Charles Quigley, Specialist Stephen Ribordy, and Specialist Belmor Ramos is scheduled to take place on Aug. 26.  Any subsequent sessions of the Article 32 investigation will be announced at a later date.

 

“This Article 32 will take place at the courthouse located at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, in Bldg. 343. Please contact the JMTC Public Affairs Office (PAO) by Monday afternoon, Aug. 22, for the time of the session.

 

“The Soldiers were charged with conspiracy to commit premeditated murder. The charges relate to an incident that occurred during April/May 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, while the Soldiers were serving in the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry.

 

“The charges are allegations, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The Article 32 hearing is an investigation to determine the appropriate disposition of the charges brought against SSG Cunningham, SGT Quigley, SPC Ribordy and SPC Ramos. […]”

 

July 22nd, 2008 - News Release No. 22070801

Press Release by the 7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office Grafenwöhr, Germany

 

“[…] Criminal charges were preferred against Staff Sgt. Jess Cunningham, Sgt. Charles Quigley, Spc. Stephen Ribordy, and Spc. Belmor Ramos of the D Co., 1st Batt., 2nd Inf. Regt., 172nd Inf. Brig. under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, in Grafenwoehr, Germany, yesterday.

 

“The Soldiers were charged with conspiracy to commit premeditated murder.

 

“The charges relate to an incident that occurred during April/May 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, while the Soldiers were serving in the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry.

 

“The preferral of charges represents an accusation only; the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. […]”

 

July 21st, 2008 - U.S. vs. Cunningham, Quigley, Ramos, Ribordy

Charge Sheet by the U.S. Department of the Army

 

“[…] The Charge: Violation Of The UCMJ, Article 81

 

“The Specification: In that Staff Sergeant Jess C. Cunningham, U.S. Army, did, at or near Baghdad, Iraq, between on or about 10 March 2007 and 16 April 2007, conspire with members of his unit to commit an offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to wit: Premeditated Murder of male detainees of apparent Middle-Eastern descent whose names are unknown, and in order to effect the object of the conspiracy the said SSG Jess C. Cunningham and members of his unit took the male detainees to a canal and members of his unit did shoot the male detainees with firearms. […]”

 

January 25th, 2008 - Army Investigating Battlefield-Detainee Deaths

Press Release by the U.S. Department of the Army

 

“[…] Army officials in Europe are cooperating fully with a U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command investigation into alleged misconduct by members of a Europe-based 1st Infantry Division unit involving detainees during a recent deployment to Iraq.

 

“The allegations involve the deaths of several detainees who were captured as part of combat operations last year, 2007, by members of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division while assigned to Multi-National Corps Iraq. Preliminary findings indicate the deceased detainees were not persons detained in a detention facility. […]”

 

 

Photo Credits

 

Background

 

1) Staff Sgt. Jess Cunningham - undated - published by “The Bakersfield Californian” on July 25th, 2008;

 

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