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Quoted By: >>675264
BAGHDAD (AP) — A U.S. Army sniper convicted of killing an unarmed Iraqi civilian and planting evidence on his body was sentenced Sunday to 10 years in prison.
Sgt. Evan Vela faced a possible life sentence. Earlier Sunday, jurors found him guilty of murder without premeditation in the May 11 killing of an Iraqi man south of Baghdad.
Vela was also sentenced to forfeit all pay and allowances, and will receive a dishonorable discharge. His case is automatically referred to a military appeals court.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
BAGHDAD (AP) — A U.S. Army sniper accused of killing an unarmed Iraqi civilian and planting evidence on his body was found guilty on all charges Sunday.
Jurors deliberated for three hours before finding Sgt. Evan Vela guilty of murder without premeditation. He had previously been charged with premeditated murder, but that charge was changed during his court-martial in Baghdad.
Vela was also found guilty of making a false official statement and of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.
He faces a possible life sentence in prison. After the verdict, proceedings entered a sentencing phase Sunday afternoon.
Sgt. Evan Vela faced a possible life sentence. Earlier Sunday, jurors found him guilty of murder without premeditation in the May 11 killing of an Iraqi man south of Baghdad.
Vela was also sentenced to forfeit all pay and allowances, and will receive a dishonorable discharge. His case is automatically referred to a military appeals court.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
BAGHDAD (AP) — A U.S. Army sniper accused of killing an unarmed Iraqi civilian and planting evidence on his body was found guilty on all charges Sunday.
Jurors deliberated for three hours before finding Sgt. Evan Vela guilty of murder without premeditation. He had previously been charged with premeditated murder, but that charge was changed during his court-martial in Baghdad.
Vela was also found guilty of making a false official statement and of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.
He faces a possible life sentence in prison. After the verdict, proceedings entered a sentencing phase Sunday afternoon.