The purpose of the memo was to provide updated information on the courts-martial involving allegations
of abuse against detainees near the Samarra Bridge in the Tigris River. Describes incidents in which one Iraqi detainee drowned, and another was assaulted. States that court-martial charges were given against those involved in the matter, which occurred in Samarra.
3 August 2004
INFORMATION PAPER
SUBJECT: Current Status of Courts-Martial: Samarra Bridge Incident
1.
Purpose. To provide updated information on the courts-martial involving allegations of abuse against detainees near the Samarra Bridge in the Tigris River.
2.
Background. This document outlines the current case status of the courts-martial of four soldiers including one officer, one noncommissioned officer, and two enlisted soldiers charged with abuse of detainees.
3. Summary. ";;_
a. Court-martial charges were preferred against four soldiers assigned toll
3rd dBrigade, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, CO.
The charges stem from an alleged incident where an Iraqi detainee drowned and
another was assaulted vicinity the Tigris River on Jan. 3, 2004, in the city of Samarra,
Iraq._
MO-570,)(--tic,) _s--
b.
First Lt._ and Sgt. 1 st Class_were formally charged in June 2004 with manslaughter, assault, conspiracy, false statements and obstruction of justice._ ( 6 (.6)-S/t61--Ors.)_s-
C.
S -ant_and Spec._ were charged June 28, 2004._is charged with manslaughter and_is charged with assault. Both are also charged with making a false official statement. _
(6)(.0-S7
d. The Article 32 investigation for all of the soldiers except LT _as\eld last week at Fort Carson. 4th Infantry Division officials are currently waiting or the Article 32 Investigating Officer to complete his recommendation and repo LT allits Article 32 Investigation is scheduled for 8 Sep 04 at Fort Hood, TX. LT _has retained Mr._as his civilian defense counsel.
e. The 4th Infantry Division Commander is the General Court-Martial Convening
Authority. The 4th Infantry Division Office of the Staff Judge Advocate is prosecuting all of the cases.
8097
DOD 006755