Staff Sergeant Michael Hensley Found Not Guilty of Murder

As released by Multi National Forces-Iraq, the trial of Staff Sergeant Michael Hensley concluded with a verdict of not guilty. Staff Sergeant Hensley was on trial for three specifications of premeditated murder. During a court martial trial in the court house at Camp Victory, a not guilty came down on the charges of murder, however, he wasn't as lucky with other charges.

A sniper and the scout platoon sergeant for 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, Staff Sergeant Hensley, as well as two other members of the military, was on trial for three Iraqi deaths that occurred during an operation. The operation was run on April 14th, April 27th, and May 11th of 2007. The mission location was Jurf as Sakhr on April 14th and May 11th; and in Abu Shemsi on April 27th.

The sergeant turned down a plea agreement in August on all charges and took the risks associated with a trial of premeditated murder. By military standards, a person convicted of premeditated murder can be given a sentence of death. Sergeant Hensley maintained his innocence in the deaths of the Iraqis and chose to stand trial. As it turns out, it was the right call for him since he was acquitted on the murder charge.

However, Hensley was found guilty for wrongfully placing an AK-47 rifle with the dead under Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. According to the accusations, the three soldiers killed the three Iraqis and then placed weapons next to the bodies in an effort to prove that they were armed. In this way proving that they were justified in shooting them.

Staff Sergeant Hensley was also found guilty for disrespect to a superior commissioned officer under UCMJ Article 89. He has been sentenced to 135 days, about four and a half months, and a reduction in rank to sergeant. He also received a letter of reprimand and will more than likely never receive another promotion.