Court-martial postponed for Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich; new date to be determined

CAMP PENDLETON - It was announced late Friday, Oct. 29 that the court-martial for Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich has been postponed. A notice will be issued when a new trial date has been established.

(previous story, Oct. 27, 2010)

Court-martial proceedings for Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich begin Tuesday in case of civilian deaths in Haditha, Iraq

CAMP PENDLETON - The court-martial for Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich will start on Tuesday, November 2 at 8:30 a.m. on Camp Pendleton.

Wuterich is charged with voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, dereliction of duty and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the death of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha, Iraq on Nov. 19, 2005.

Charges were referred to general court-martial Dec. 28, 2007.

Seating in the courtroom for media and the public will be limited.

Authorities say the charges are "accusations against the individual and the accused is presumed innocent. The Marine Corps is committed to a fair proceeding in compliance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice."

The assurance of a fair trial appears to have been made to counter the remarks of some high profile (Democrat) legislators that have been criticized by some for allegedly making comments to the media that they viewed Wuterich and others in his troop guilty of the crimes they are charged with.