Lawyer says US soldier wrongly charged in Iraq "mercy killing"

BUFFALO, New York A U.S. soldier accused of murder in Iraq was following orders when he shot and killed an already brain dead Iraqi insurgent in "a mercy killing," a defense lawyer said Wednesday.

An Army investigator has recommended the death penalty for Spc. Juston R. Graber, 20, of Buffalo, and three other soldiers if they are convicted of murdering four Iraqis in May.

Paul W. Bergrin, lead attorney during a hearing for the four last month in Iraq, said Wednesday he is "astonished" the Army would charge Graber with anything. "He has an impeccable record, has been decorated for valor and essentially is charged with a mercy killing," he said.

Read the rest at the International Herald Tribune