Testimony Continues In Murder Trial Of Edmond Soldier

Associated Press

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) -- Several Iraqis testify in the military trial at Fort Campbell, Ky., of an Oklahoma Army officer accused of killing an Iraqi detainee.

First Lieutenant Michael Behenna of Edmond is charged with premeditated murder in the death of Ali Mansour Mohammed, who was found naked, shot and burned in May near Beiji, Iraq.

An Iraqi medical examiner testified Tuesday that Mohammed died of two gunshot wounds and that burns on his body occurred after he had died.

Prosecutors allege that Behenna believed Mohammed had information or was involved in a roadside bombing that killed two soldiers in his platoon and wounded others in April.

Mohammed was turned over to Army interrogators, who questioned him then ordered his release.

Prosecutors allege that Behenna instead took him out to a secluded railroad culvert in the desert and killed him.

Behenna's attorney says Behenna was trying to further interrogate Mohammed and didn't intend to murder him.

If convicted on premeditated murder, Behenna could face life in prison without parole.

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