Haditha Marine arraigned on involuntary manslaghter charges

North County Times:

An enlisted Marine accused in the deaths of two Iraqi civilians in the city of Haditha in 2005 was arraigned this morning on charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.

Lance Cpl. Stephen B. Tatum appeared before a military judge and reserved entering a plea to the charges, which could result in up to 19 years in prison and a dishonorable discharge.

Tatum, 26, was one of four enlisted men from Camp Pendleton charged last December in the deaths of two dozen civilians in Haditha. The civilians died after a roadside bombing on the morning of Nov. 19, 2005.

He originally faced two counts of unpremeditated murder and four counts of negligent homicide. Those charges were reduced, however, following an Article 32 hearing earlier this year that found the evidence lacking. Article 32 hearings are akin to probable cause hearings in civilian court.

Tatum made no statement during the brief arraignment other than to acknowledge his desire to be represented by two military and three civilian attorneys. His trial is scheduled to begin March 28 and he must enter a formal plea by March 3.

A preview of the defense for the Oklahoma native did emerge during the hearing. His attorneys are asking the judge to approve the hiring of Arabic translators. The request suggests Iraqi witnesses may be called or interviewed and that there is discussion of a possible site visit to Haditha.

Tatum is expected to seek a jury trial and have a third of panel comprised of enlisted men.

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These charges are a long way from the "cold blooded murder" alleged by John Murtha. They are still unproven and based on evidence of questionable credibility. I think he has a good chance of acquittal.

The AP story gives more details. Tatum is represented by among others Jack Zimmerman, an excellent criminal defense lawyer from Houston who is also an ex Marine. He is a guy I would have recommended in this case.