The ringleader of US troops who killed 24 Iraqi civilians may escape punishment

An investigating officer has said no murder charges should be brought against a US marine accused of leading a massacre of Iraqi civilians.

Sgt Frank Wuterich is alleged to have been the ringleader of US troops who killed 24 Iraqi civilians in November 2005 in the town of Haditha.

Twenty-four Iraqi civilians, including three women,
seven children and several elderly men, died at Haditha, in Anbar
province, on 19 November 2005.