Soldiers face Iraq murder charges

BAGHDAD – Two U.S. soldiers have been charged with premeditated murder in connection with the deaths of three Iraqis. They were also charged with planting weapons on the bodies in order to cover up their crimes, the Army announced Saturday.

The men were identified as Staff Sgt. Michael A. Hensley, of Candler, N.C., and Spc. Jorge G. Sandoval Jr., of Laredo, Texas. Hensley faces three counts of premeditated murder, obstructing justice and planting weapons, the U.S. military said in a statement. Sandoval faces one count of premeditated murder and another count of planting a weapon.

The crimes allegedly took place between April and June around Iskandariya, about 30 miles south of Baghdad, the military said. That area often is referred to as the “triangle of death” for its reputation as a stronghold for Sunni militants who have been at war with U.S. troops and the country’s Shiite majority since shortly after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

The men had been based in Iraq with the first battalion, 501st infantry regiment, fourth brigade of the 25th Infantry Division from Fort Richardson, Alaska.

The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, was opened after fellow soldiers informed commanders of their suspicions. The men face so-called Article 32 hearings, which will determine the veracity of the charges and, if merited, send them on for court martial proceedings.