Will a Tillman Murder Lead to Army Mutiny?

Apr 25, 2007 06:48

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform asked Army Spc. Bryan O'Neal, "You were ordered not to tell him?" Referring to whether O'Neal should talk to Pat Tillman's brother about his death.

The political instability of the US is showing another thread that potentially could set the US Army in mutiny. What was being concealed by his CO was either murder charges or negligent homicide. The investigators considered both charges. The "murder" investigation revealed the following:

The soldier next to him testified: “I could hear the pain in his voice as he called out, ‘Cease fire, friendlies, I am Pat f—ing Tillman, dammit.” He said this over and over until he stopped,” having been hit by three bullets in the forehead, killing him.

It was also admitted that soldiers destroyed evidence — Tillman's uniform and flak vest — after the shooting, claiming that they were a "biohazard". However another soldier involved offered a contradictory take, saying "the uniform and equipment had blood on them and it would stir emotion" that needed to be suppressed until the Rangers finished their work overseas.

An initial investigation by then-Capt. Richard Scott, interviewed all four shooters, their driver, and many others who were there. He concluded within a week that while some of the gunmen demonstrated "gross negligence" others demonstrated "criminal intent" and recommended further investigation to push for the harshest possible criminal sentencing.

But Scott's report disappeared after circulating briefly among a small corps of high-ranking officers.

What motive would there be to murder the celebrity soldier? Political PR. "It has been revealed since his death that Pat Tillman was himself highly critical of the war in Iraq where he also served a tour of duty. Fellow soldiers have described the well spoken, well educated Tillman as having strong views, often openly stating 'this war is so f— illegal.' and describing Tillman as 'totally against Bush.'"

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070424/D8ON96U80.html
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