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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       
RELEASE No. 20070702-23
July 2, 2007

Additional Soldier charged with murder
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

BAGHDAD — A U.S. Soldier has been charged with murder in the death of an Iraqi citizen. The Soldier is the third to be named in an investigation of three alleged unjustified killings during recent military operations in Iraq.

These charges are accusations of wrongdoing. The Soldier is presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of any alleged offense.

The Soldier is assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Richardson, Alaska. The unit is currently attached to Multi-National Division-Center, Iraq. The alleged offense occurred between April and June 2007 in the vicinity of Iskandariyah, Iraq.

Sgt. Evan Vela, of Phoenix, Idaho, is charged with one specification alleging premeditated murder, one specification alleging he wrongfully placed a weapon with the remains of a deceased Iraqi, one specification of making a false official statement, and one specification alleging obstruction of justice. Vela’s charges were preferred July 1. He was also placed in pre-trial confinement July 1.

Murder charges were previously announced for Staff Sgt. Michael A. Hensley and Spc. Jorge G. Sandoval, Jr., in connection with similar incidents.

The investigation by Unites States Criminal Investigation Division resulted from reports of the alleged wrongdoing made by fellow Soldiers to military authorities. The investigation continues.

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