Skip navigation

Defense rests in Iraq detainee killings case

Trial marks first time a civilian jury weighs actions of ex-service member

Conflict in Iraq video  
Bombs kill dozens in Iraq, Afghanistan
July 9: In the worst violence since U.S. combat troops pulled back from urban areas in Iraq, nearly 60 people were killed in Baghdad on Thursday; and a truck filled with explosives blew up on an Afghan highway, killing 25 people. NBC's Brian Williams reports.

  Timeline  
  
Image: Ayatollah Khomeini
AP file

The relationship is at center of world affairs and America's global interests

Interactive
Fight for Iraq
Learn more about the ethnic, religious and political powerplays in this virtual tour led by NBC’s Richard Engel.
Text alerts on msnbc.com

Breaking news alerts (about 1 per day)
Click here to sign up or text NEWS to MSNBC (67622).

Find more alerts at alerts.msnbc.com

updated 5:38 p.m. ET Aug. 27, 2008

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The defense has rested without calling a single witness at the civilian trial in Southern California of a former Marine charged with killing unarmed detainees in Iraq.

Attorneys for Jose Luis Nazario Jr. said they expect closing arguments to begin later Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Riverside.

The trial is the first time in which a civilian jury will decide whether the alleged actions of a former service member in combat violated the rules of engagement.

Story continues below ↓
advertisement | your ad here

Nazario has pleaded not guilty. He has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the killings of Iraqi detainees in Fallujah in November 2004, during some of the fiercest fighting of the Iraq war.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  MORE FROM CONFLICT IN IRAQ  
  
Conflict in Iraq Section Front
 
Add Conflict in Iraq headlines to your news reader:
 
Sponsored LinksGet listed here
Top Online Schools
Find the perfect online school and Boost your Career! Free Info Pack.
www.EarnMyDegree.com

Sponsored links

Resource guide