Marine admits role in killing of Iraqi man
CAMP PENDLETON — A second member of the Marine Corps’ 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, pleaded guilty in the death of suspected insurgent Hashim Ibrahim Awad in Hamandiya, Iraq.
In a plea bargain, Pfc. John J. Jodka III, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Sentencing was set for Nov. 15. Navy corpsman Melson Bacos has been sentenced to a year in the brig after pleading guilty to kidnapping and conspiracy.
Six more Marines face charges of murder, conspiracy and kidnapping for allegedly dragging Awad, 52, from his home and killing him without provocation on April 26 and then planting evidence to suggest that he was caught planting a bomb.
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