Lt. General James Mattis and The Pendleton 8
August 27, 2007
As the story continues, as of last week here is the status of the Pendleton 8:
Hospitalman 3rd Class Melson Bacos: Pleaded guilty to kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap and making false official statements. Sentenced to 12 months in the brig, released in March.
Pfc. John Jodka III: Pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Sentenced to 18 months in the brig, released in July.
Lance Cpl. Tyler Jackson: Pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and obstruction of justice. Sentenced to 21 months in the brig, released Monday
Lance Cpl. Robert Pennington: Pleaded guilty to kidnapping and conspiracy to commit premeditated murder and kidnapping. Sentenced to eight years in prison, released from Brig.
Lance Cpl. Jerry Shumate Jr.: Pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Sentenced to 21 months in the brig. Released Monday.
Cpl. Marshall Magincalda: Convicted by a jury Aug. 1 of conspiracy to commit murder and lesser charges. Released from brig Friday by jury’s vote.
Cpl. Trent Thomas: Convicted by a jury July 18 of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder and lesser charges. Released from brig July 20 by jury’s vote.
Sgt. Lawrence Hutchins III: Squad leader convicted of unpremeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder and lesser offenses. Jury sentenced him Friday to 15 years in prison.
What will happen to Larry Hutchins and with the release of these Marines, what does this mean in terms of the NCIS investigation. Production on Article 32 continues into September, as I will begn interviewing a select lists of participants in the story. The Marines are released but that isnt the end of the story, PTSD, what really happened that night, and the NCIS as of late has started other investigations into Marines in regards to the Battle of Fallujah. Stay tuned for more updates.
