US Soldiers Accused of Rape and Murder in Iraq

The US military is facing another scandal in Iraq after an American soldier testified that fellow soldiers plotted and carried out the rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and her family. The incident, which occurred in the town of Mahmoudiya, is one of the most serious cases of alleged misconduct by US service members in the country. The soldiers involved have been accused of a range of crimes, including rape, murder, and conspiracy.

Key Takeaways:

• Five US soldiers, including Specialist James Barker, Sergeant Paul Cortez, Private 1st Class Jesse Spielman, Private 1st Class Bryan Howard, and Private 1st Class Steven Green, have been accused of rape and murder in connection with the slaying of the Iraqi family.
• The soldiers allegedly plotted the attack during a session of whisky drinking and card playing, and then carried out the assault on the girl and her family.
• According to Specialist Barker's sworn statement, the soldiers practiced hitting golf balls before heading to the Iraqi teen's home, where they found her and her family.
• The soldiers then returned to their post, where Specialist Barker grilled up chicken wings, as described by the investigator Benjamin Bierce.
• The investigation has revealed that multiple soldiers participated in the rape and murder, including Specialist Green, who has pleaded not guilty in federal court and is being held without bond.
• Former private Steven Green was discharged from the army for a "personality disorder" after the slayings and was arrested in North Carolina in June on rape and murder charges.

Statistics:

• The victims included a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and her family, consisting of her father, mother, and five-year-old sister.
• The soldiers allegedly used Iraqi whisky mixed with an energy drink during their drinking session.
• Specialist James Barker described playing cards and drinking with the other defendants in his sworn statement.
• PIcte. Green shot the girl once, then shot her several more times, according to Specialist Barker's statement.
• 230 meters was the distance from the US military post to the Iraqi teen's home.
• The soldiers were stationed at a traffic checkpoint in Mahmoudiya, Iraq.

Sources:

• Associated Press, "US soldiers accused of rape, murder in Iraq," June 30, 2006.
• The New York Times, "US Soldiers Testify in Hearing Over Rape and Murder of 14-Year-Old Iraqi Girl," [Author and Date Not Available].
• Army investigators' testimony, including that of Specialist James Barker and Sergeant Paul Cortez.