The Latest: Defence presents testimony in SEAL murder case
Posted June 26, 2019 11:06 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SAN DIEGO — The Latest on the trial of a decorated Navy SEAL charged with killing an Islamic State prisoner in his care (all times local):
10:30 a.m.
Defence attorneys for a Navy SEAL accused of killing a wounded prisoner in Iraq say the Navy has indicated to them that fellow SEALs who had taken the stand could be prosecuted for earlier acts despite being granted immunity.
Defence attorney Timothy Parlatore told the judge Wednesday that he had received an email from prosecutors stating that SEALs who testified at the court martial of Chief Edward Gallagher could face prosecution if they had given false official statements to investigators.
One witness, Corey Scott, a medic, shocked the courtroom last week when he said that he — not Gallagher — killed the militant.
The judge, Navy Capt. Aaron Rugh, said those who had testified could only be prosecuted if they lied on the witness stand, and not for their previous statements.
A retired Marine and an active duty Marine testified for the defence Wednesday, describing Gallagher as a solid warrior.
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12:10 a.m.
Defence lawyers will go on the offensive in the murder trial of a Navy SEAL accused of killing a wounded young Islamic State prisoner in Iraq.
Attorneys for Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher plan Wednesday to bring in testimony to bolster their contention that Gallagher is being unfairly accused of murder and attempted murder.
Prosecutors, who rested their case on Tuesday, contend that Gallagher fatally stabbed the captive in the neck without provocation and also shot at two civilians. He’s pleaded not guilty.
Gallagher’s lawyers have argued that former colleagues of Gallagher who testified for the prosecution provided either tainted or outright phoney statements.
The defence asked the judge Tuesday to summarily find Gallagher not guilty but that request was rejected.
The Associated Press
