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| Prosecutor Wants Murder Charges on Pantano |
| Thursday, May 19, 2005 |
A prosecutor seeking murder charges against a Marine officer who fatally shot two Iraqis during a search for a terrorist hideout has criticized a report that recommends no court-martial in the case.
An investigating officer concluded in a report to his superior last week that key witnesses and evidence failed to back up the charges against 2nd Lt. Ilario Pantano, a former Wall Street trader who rejoined the service after the Sept. 11 attacks. But Maj. Stephen Keane, senior trial counsel for the Marines, said Wednesday that prosecutors "showed a case where a set-up took place, and the accused at best invited self-defense, and the investigating officer did not comment on those elements."
Pantano's civilian lawyer, Charles Gittins, said Wednesday those issues were addressed in court and in the reports.
Military authorities may choose to accept investigating officer's recommendation, give some form of administrative punishment or go ahead with a court-martial.
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posted by J.R. @ 2:46:00 PM   |
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