If this was indeed a mercy killing, this guy used incredibly poor judgement in making that call.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlates...212242,00.html
- U.S. Officer to Be Charged With Murder
Wednesday June 16, 2004 8:46 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Army has decided to charge a 1st Armored Division officer with murder in the May 21 death of an Iraqi civilian who was wounded during a high-speed chase, then shot again at close range, an Army official said Wednesday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the Army's Criminal Investigation Division has not yet publicly announced its decision, said the 1st Armored captain will be charged soon.
The officer's name was not disclosed.
The U.S. Central Command announced on June 4 that the case was being investigated but provided few details. It said the matter involved a potential violation of U.S. rules of engagement which govern the use of deadly force.
In its announcement, Central Command said the driver of an Iraqi vehicle in a motorcade was seriously wounded and a passenger was less seriously wounded when U.S. troops opened fire near the city of Kufa. It said initial reports indicated that the wounded driver was then shot at close range by a U.S. soldier and died.
The Army official who said Wednesday that a 1st Armored Division officer would be charged with murder in the case said the soldier reportedly shot the badly wounded man to end his suffering.
