Shooting at Ft. Hood Texas 11/05/09 13 dead, 43 wounded-(Murder Charges)

[Bearlyhere]

Such a sad tragedy.  Thanks, Muffy, for keeping us up to date.

 

[MuffyBee]

http://www.wfaa.com/news/texas-news/Judge-blocks-Fort-Hood-suspects-martyr-report-219660931.html
Judge blocks Fort Hood suspect's 'martyr' report
August 14, 2013

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) — Military prosecutors won't be allowed to use a report released by the soldier on trial for the 2009 Fort Hood shootings that shows he believed he "would still being a martyr" if convicted and executed by the government.
The judge overseeing the trial of Maj. Nidal Hasan made the ruling Wednesday. She told prosecutors they shouldn't read the report or use it in their case.
Hasan told the judge he authorized the release of the report, which was compiled by military health care experts who concluded he was fit to stand trial.
Hasan's civil attorney gave the report to The New York Times, which posted it online.
 

[MuffyBee]

Such a sad tragedy.  Thanks, Muffy, for keeping us up to date.

 

   So bad for all the victims (both the dead and the living) and their families. 

[Bearlyhere]

Such a sad tragedy.  Thanks, Muffy, for keeping us up to date.

 

   So bad for all the victims (both the dead and the living) and their families.  

Sometimes I think it is harder on the survivors.  If you believe in heaven and you believe in paradise, then the victims are home.  It is the victims left standing to try to carry on without their loved ones that break my heart, too.  I am not condoning violence or saying it is okay to be a victim.  Just thinking that it is harder to be left with pictures of loved ones suffering, playing over and over in their heads, along with having to resume their journey without them.

Sometimes I think hell is having to watch those you left behind aching for you and not being able to reach out to them.  

          

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/RachelCoxKWTX

Rachel Cox ‏@RachelCoxKWTX 37m
Day 8 of Maj. Hasan court-martial heading into alternate courtroom now

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/KDHCrime

Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 23m
Berran, a forensic pathologist performed autopsied of Pfc. Aaron Nemelka and Spc. Frederick Greene. #FortHood #Hasan

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 25m
Art. 39a session in #Hasan trial here at #FortHood for 1st witness today, Dr. Philip Berran.

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 44m
It looks like prosecution will rest its case sometime early next week. #Hasan #FortHood

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 2h
Greater media presence here today. #Hasan #FortHood

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 2h
Back on #FortHood this morning for day 8 of Nidal #Hasan's court-martial. More autopsy testimony today

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/nomaanmerchant

Nomaan Merchant ‏@NomaanMerchant 2h
We expect more pathologists to testify today on autopsies of the 13 people slain here in November 2009. #FortHood #Hasan

 Nomaan Merchant ‏@NomaanMerchant 2h
Morning from #FortHood for Day 8 of the #Hasan trial. Story on lead prosecutor's handling of case so far: http://bit.ly/1cFdmuq

[MuffyBee]

http://missoulian.com/news/national/lead-prosecutor-in-fort-hood-case-keeps-close-eye/article_a8e59ee4-3587-5fab-aff7-ce3568c0355e.html
Lead prosecutor in Fort Hood case keeps close eye
August 15, 2013

Col. Michael Mulligan stood up and whispered to a fellow prosecutor who had just finished questioning a witness in the Fort Hood shooting trial, prompting the military lawyer to stand back up and ask how many bullet holes the gunman left behind.

When Mulligan saw that frustrated jurors couldn't hear another witness' testimony, he asked the judge overseeing Maj. Nidal Hasan's military trial to tell the witness to slow down and speak up.

The lead prosecutor in the case against Hasan, who is accused of killing 13 people at the Texas military base in 2009, has been something of a quality-control specialist, watching for any mistakes or oversights that could bolster a future appeal.

Taking the trouble to confirm the number of bullet holes and making sure jurors can hear every witness may seem superfluous in a trial where the suspect has already told jurors he was responsible for the worst mass shooting ever on a U.S. military base.

But Mulligan and other prosecutors know that their biggest hurdle likely isn't securing a conviction and death sentence, but rather making it though the military's appeals courts _ which have overturned most death sentences they've reviewed.

Mulligan, an experienced prosecutor with distinctive round glasses and a carrying voice, did not deliver the prosecution's opening statement and has questioned fewer than half of the 70 witnesses who have testified so far. He has occasionally spoken up to make sure procedures are being followed, and twice this week, his fellow prosecutors asked more questions after he quietly spoke to them.

"Remember that Mulligan is not just a lawyer, he's an officer and a leader, and he's in the Army," said Geoffrey Corn, a professor at the South Texas College of Law who taught Mulligan at the graduate level. "One of the fundamental responsibilities of a leader in the Army is to prepare your subordinates to do your job."

Mulligan's appointment was a sign of how seriously the Army takes the Hasan case, Corn said. Mulligan has served in high-level Army positions in Iraq, Germany and the United States, according to an official biography.

He is also a rarity in the military justice system: a prosecutor who has successfully put a soldier on death row. Mulligan prosecuted Hasan Akbar, a soldier condemned for killing two in an attack on fellow soldiers in Kuwait during the 2003 Iraq invasion.
 

Hasan has put up almost no defense so far, letting almost every prosecution witness pass without questions or objections. Hasan, who is acting as his own attorney during the trial, acknowledged the prosecution's overwhelming advantage in his brief opening statement: The evidence against him, Hasan said, would clearly show he was the shooter.

But appeals are automatic in death row cases. That means appellate judges, who are accustomed to overturning more death penalty cases than they let stand, will pore through the trial record and evidence if they get the case.

While prosecutors clearly have an advantage in how much evidence is on their side, the 13-officer jury must be unanimous in convicting Hasan of premeditated murder and for approving a death sentence.

That's when Mulligan's experience will be particularly crucial, Corn said.

"Proving guilt was not particularly significant," he said. "It was going to be in sentencing ... and it was going to be on appeal."

[MuffyBee]

http://www.kvue.com/news/state/Artist--219654691.html
Artist honors Fort Hood shooting victims
August 14, 2013



SALADO, Texas -- Artist Troy Kelley is sculpting bronze memorials for each of the 13 victims of the mass shooting at Fort Hood.
Kelley started the project in 2010 and has devoted hundreds of hours to finishing the hand crafted memorial.
"I tried to personalize each one of them," said Kelley.
Kelley worked with the victims families to showcase their passions. For civilian Michael Cahill, he included a coffee cup, for Specialist Jason Hunt, his devoted dog Rex, and for Major Libardo Caraveo, a bible.
"This has been, truly has been, a labor of love," said Kelley.
His final sculpture is for Staff Sergeant Amy Krueger.
"Our hearts just go out to that family and to everyone involved in this really horrendous event," said Kelley.
The 12 sculptures are on display temporarily inside the Killeen Convention Center, once enough money is raised a permanent memorial will be built outside. Organizers have raised $140,000 so far but more than $200,000 is still needed. You can donate here.  http://forthoodmemorial.com/

Video at Link & Photo Gallery with 16 images.

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/ChrisShadrock

Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 3m
Back at #FortHood & this caught my eye. "We don't need to tag the Fort Hood shooter a terrorist to give him justice" http://gu.com/p/3t2qk/tw

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/14/fort-hood-shooter-terrorist-justice?CMP=twt_gu
The US court martial will deal effectively with Major Nidal Hasan. Charging him with terrorism just panders to partisan politicking
August 14, 2013

 
n reality, there is nothing to be gained by trying to attach a terrorism label to the charges: Maj Hasan faces the death penalty for premeditated murder – would the executioner be instructed to use a duller, rustier needle if it was labeled terrorism murder instead?

A terrorism charge would also add to the prosecution's burden of proof in order to secure a conviction. If the issue of whether the act was committed as an act of terror is added to the mix, the prosecution would have an additional element to satisfy, one it must establish beyond a reasonable doubt. From a prosecution perspective, it is always preferable to keep a case as simple and straightforward as possible, rather than take on a heightened burden of proof that gains absolutely nothing in the end when it comes to sentencing.

Apart from Maj Hasan's potential criminal culpability, issues about criteria for award of the Purple Heart and military benefits to victims in the shooting are ones Congress has the authority to address, should it choose to do so. At first blush, that may sound appealing. But keep in mind that US drone and spying programs also had broad appeals – until Americans began to realize they, too, could be in the crosshairs. Tinkering with the law and how terrorism is defined could have unintended consequences that extend beyond simply doing a good deed for the Fort Hood victims and their families.
 

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/KenKalthoffNBC5

Ken Kalthoff ‏@KenKalthoffNBC5 15m
More medical examiner testimony today in Nidal Hassan's #forthood mass shooting trial. Specialist Frederick Greene was shot 12 times!@NBCDFW

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/KCENSophia

KCENsophia ‏@KCENsophia 4m
A medical examiner will testify SPC Frederick Greene was shot 12 times, PFC  Aaron Nemelka 3 times #Hasan @KCENNews

 KCENsophia ‏@KCENsophia 11m
Prosecution could rest as soon as next Monday. If #Hasan only takes a half day to make his case, delib. could be done by Tues. @KCENNews

 KCENsophia ‏@KCENsophia 1h
Day 8 in #Hasan trial. We are 70 witnesses in, as medical examiners continue2testify after last week's more emotional testimony @KCENNews

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/RachelCoxKWTX

Rachel Cox ‏@RachelCoxKWTX 34m
Pathologist takes stand to testify abt autopsy of Spc. Frederick Greene he was shot 12 times #hasantrial

 Rachel Cox ‏@RachelCoxKWTX 38m
#hasantrial judge orders 6 autopsy photos changed to edit out trajectory rods

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/RachelCoxKWTX

City of Killeen, TX ‏@CityofKilleen 1h
"Remembering Our Fallen," a collection of photos honoring the nearly 600 Texans killed in the War on Terrorism,   http://fb.me/11TVM9LKj
 Retweeted by Rachel Cox

 Rachel Cox ‏@RachelCoxKWTX 1h
Heard from 2 pathologists so far about 3 autopsies for victims #hasantrial

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/KDHCrime

Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 31s
We've done 12 of 13 autopsies. Last report is of Spc. Frederick Greene, who was shot 12 times. #Hasan #FtHood

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 3m
Just heard autopsy of Pvt. Francheska Velez. Prosecutor asked if Velez had any medical conditions. Dr. replied "Yes, she was pregnant."

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 1h
#fthood PAO Tyler Broadway prepares for midday presser at #Hasan trial pic.twitter.com/8iQuJKeenl

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 2h
The autopsy of the slain soldier who yelled "My baby! My baby! during the #FortHood shooting should be presented after lunch. #Hasan

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 2h
Jury sent out for early lunch. Two autopsies done. Prosecutors figuring out logistics of Greene's autopsy. #Fthood #hasan

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 5h
Judge will not allow prosecution show autopsy photos where metal robs have been placed in body to show entry & exit wounds. #Hasan #FortHood

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 5h
I didn't get a chance to link my morning report from #FortHood before #Hasan hearing started. Here it is! http://kdhnews.com/blogs/case_files/morning-report-aug/article_2dfe0e0e-05a5-11e3-9de8-001a4bcf6878.html …

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 5h
Spc. Frederick Greene died from 12 gunshot wounds. Fatal shot likely a shot to the head that fragmented. #Hasan #FortHood

 Philip Jankowski ‏@KDHcrime 5h
Pfc. Aaron Nemelka died from a gunshot to abdomen that fragmented. Shot three times. #Hasan #FortHood

[MuffyBee]

http://kdhnews.com/blogs/case_files/morning-report-aug/article_2dfe0e0e-05a5-11e3-9de8-001a4bcf6878.html
Morning report: Aug. 15
Posted: Thursday, August 15, 2013 7:21 am | Updated: 8:51 am, Thu Aug 15, 2013.
Philip Jankowski | Herald staff writer

 
Today's hearing will be dominated by more testimony from forensic pathologists who will present the autopsies of six more deceased victims. The testimony has been dry and clinical, yet still graphic. Doctors from the U.S. Air Force and Army have described the gunshot wounds that killed victims of the Fort Hood shooting with chilling precision. Their testimony has also slowed the pace of the trial, with only three witnesses testifying Wednesday. Each witness gives the foundation for prosecutors to enter scores of photos and diagrams for each victim. My coverage of Wednesday's hearing can be read here.
I will be sending in periodic updates from Fort Hood throughout the day. Up-to-the-minute updates can also be found on my Twitter feed @KDHcrime.
Media report:
Thirty-three reporters, producers and photographers are here from various agencies. The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Austin American-Statesman, San Antonio Express-News, the Associated Press, Reuter's, Stars and Stripes, Fox News, CNN, regional and local network affiliates are here along with a blogger who calls himself "The Legendary."
More...

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/nomaanmerchant

Nomaan Merchant ‏@NomaanMerchant 3h
12 gunshot wounds scattered all over Greene's body, doc says. Others appeared to be on ground when shot. #Hasan #FortHood

 Nomaan Merchant ‏@NomaanMerchant 3h
#Hasan jurors hearing more about autopsies. 1 Vic, Spc. Frederick Greene, shot 12 times; doc says wounds suggest he charged Hasan. #FortHood

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/ChrisShadrock

Fort Hood Shootings ‏@FtHoodShootings 8m
Prosecutors almost did not ask pathologist about Velez being pregnant. Mulligan passed the witness before re-opening questioning to ask.
 Retweeted by Chris Shadrock

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 10m
Prosecution ends with asking any other significant medical details about Velez, "she was pregnant" #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 10m
The bullet that killed PFC Velez, went through her L flank, diaphragm, a major vein, heart, & R lung, called unsurvivable. #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 10m
…the fatal shot went through his chest/heart and artery, probably died in "seconds maybe a minute" #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 11m
Marzouk: Major Caraveo was shot 4x, head, chest, left arm, and stomach, cont… #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 11m
Back from lunch, Dr. AbuBakr Marzouk just finished his time on the stand, did autopsy on Mjr Caraveo and PFC Velez #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 2h
The very latest on the #HasanTrial and what was in #Hasan's sanity report he released, tonight on @KVUE pic.twitter.com/kUKOoUs5sf
 
 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 3h
Robinson: Krueger was shot 2x, fatal wound was bullet was to the abdomen, Gaffaney shot 3x, wound to the chest was fatal #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 3h
Capt. Dr. Stephen Robinson just got off the stand describing fatal wounds to Sgt. Krueger and Capt. Gaffaney #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 4h
Correction, the 3rd gunshot wound into PFC Nemelka was into his thigh, not his lower torso. #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 4h
Dr. Berran spoke earlier to PFC Greene being shot 12 times, & the trajectory of the bullets showing he charged the gunman #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 4h
Cont. to say Nemelka in effect drowned in his own blood as lungs filled w/blood, & felt pain before becoming unconscious #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 4h
Shot once in the left shoulder, lower torso, and the fatal shot that went through Nemelka's heart, lung, and liver. #HasanTrial

 Chris Shadrock ‏@ChrisShadrock 4h
On the stand now, Dr. Phillip Berran, did the autopsy PFC Nemelka, says he was shot 3 times. #HasanTrial

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/KCENSophia

KCENsophia ‏@KCENsophia 2m
About 50 shots were used to kill 12 soldiers and one veteran, one soldier was shot 15 times #hasan @KCENNews

 KCENsophia ‏@KCENsophia 3m
Pregnant soldier Francheska Velez was killed with a single shot as she screamed "My baby! My baby!" #Hasan @KCENNews

 KCENsophia ‏@KCENsophia 4h
We're learning about more soldiers who were shot to death while lying down on the floor in the #forthoodshooting @KCENNews

 KCENsophia ‏@KCENsophia 5h
Judge won't allow some photos of SPC Greene shot 12 x's bc rods used2mark bullet direction are unnecessarily graphic @KCENNews #Hasan

[MuffyBee]

August 15, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/RachelCoxKWTX

Rachel Cox ‏@RachelCoxKWTX 35s
Pathologist will testify to Spc Greene's wounds this afternoon, he was shot 12 times #hasantrial

 Rachel Cox ‏@RachelCoxKWTX 3m
Pathologist says Pfc Francheska Velez was pregnant, she said "My baby! My baby!" before dying