Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070630-11
June 30, 2007

Soldiers charged with premeditated murder
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

BAGHDAD — Two US Army Soldiers have been charged with the premeditated murders of three Iraqi nationals in three separate incidents. 
Charges were announced today. 
 
These charges are merely an accusation of wrongdoing.  The soldiers are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of any alleged offense.
 
The soldiers are assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 501 Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Richardson, Alaska.  The unit is currently attached to Multi-National Division - Center, Iraq.  Offenses are alleged to have occurred between April and June, 2007, in the vicinity of Iskandariyah, Iraq.  The two soldiers are charged as follows:
 
Staff Sergeant Michael A. Hensley, Candler, North Carolina - three specifications alleging premeditated murder, three specifications alleging obstruction of justice, and three specifications of wrongfully placing weapons with the remains of deceased Iraqis.  The Charges were preferred on June 28, 2007, and SSG Hensley was placed into pre-trial confinement in Kuwait on June 28, 2007. 
 
Specialist Jorge G Sandoval, Jr., Laredo, Texas, one specification alleging premeditated murder and one specification alleging he wrongfully placed a weapon with the remains of a deceased Iraqi.  Spec. Sandoval’s charges were preferred on June 28, 2007.  Specialist Sandoval was apprehended on June 26, 2007, while home in Texas, and transferred to pre-trial confinement in Kuwait on June 29, 2007.
 
The investigation by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division resulted from reports of the alleged wrongdoing made by fellow soldiers to military authorities.  The investigation continues.

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