Misdirected Hatred

Eight soldiers are facing charges of murder and kidnapping of an Iraqi citizen in the village of Hamdania on April 26.

The troops are accused of breaking into the home of Hashim Ibrahim Awad, stealing an AK-47 assault rifle, and shooting him outside of his home. According to charges, Jodka and of the four others, fired at Awad simultaneously. After Awads death, the troops then dug a hole, placed his body near it and scattered expended shells to make it appear that he had been planting a roadside bomb.

Although the troops have been in the brig at Camp Pendalton, CA since May, they have not yet begun a trial. Hearings on the case began in early September, where it was decided that they would not face the death penalty.

Will our servicemen make it out before rage, roadside bombs and the media firestorm kill them?

The Marines involved were members of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, or "3/5" as they call it, and one Navy Hospital Corpsman.

Cpl. Marshall Magincalda, Jr.
Pfc. John Jodka III
Lance Cpl. Jerry E. Shumate
Sgt. Lawrence Hutchins III
Cpl. Trent Thomas
Lance Cpl. Robert Pennington
Lance Cpl. Tyler Jackson
Hospitalman 3rd Class Melson Bacons
For a synopsis of the charges they face, click here.

Marine, Lance Cpl. Henry D. Lever, had the only charge against him, assault, dismissed.

Jodka and Magnicalda plead not guilty on Wednesday.
For more infomation on the trial, click here.