Opening Statements to Begin Monday in Final Haditha Trial

Jury selection in the voluntary manslaughter trial of Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich concluded Friday. Opening statements are scheduled for Monday morning.

The Marine is accused of being involved in the deaths of 24 Iraqi citizens Nov. 19, 2005 in Haditha. The incident happened after a roadside bombing that killed one Marine.  Eight Marines in total were charged in the case and seven of them were exonerated or had the charges dropped.

The jury will consist of four officers and four senior noncommissioned officers — all of whom are combat experienced Marines. During jury selection, members of the defense and prosecution asked questions dealing with rules of engagement and ethical challenges in combat. 

A military court is trying Wuterich for nine counts of voluntary manslaughter, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of dereliction of duty.

None of the seven other Marines previously charged were ever convicted, the North County Times reports.