Sergeant Miguel A. Vegaquinones Sentenced for Accidental Shooting

US Sergeant Miguel A. Vegaquinones has been sentenced for the accidental shooting and death of fellow soldier Sean McCune in Iraq. His sentence comprises three years of confinement, demotion to the rank of private, and a dishonorable discharge.

Vegaquinones accidentally shot and killed McCune on January 11, 2009, in the city of Samarra, which is north of Baghdad. He pleaded guilty to "involuntary manslaughter" and was accused by the US military of negligence in shooting.

Despite the sentence, however, Vegaquinones will only serve up to 30 months, due to a plea arrangement established before the trial.

The sentence is also going to be appealed.