Court Overturns| Marine’s Conviction

(CN) - The Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals on Thursday overturned the conviction of a marine accused of shooting an Iraqi insurgent in 2006.

The Washington, D.C.-based court ruled 8-1 that former Sgt. Lawrence Hutchins didn't get a fair trial because one of his lead attorneys left active duty and the case that was before the court martial, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Hutchins was accused of running a plan to kidnap and kill a suspected insurgent then claim he died in a gun battle as a threat to stop insurgents from planting roadside bombs.

Hutchins was convicted in 2007.

The Marine Corps has 30 days to appeal.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit