ROSE FRENCH
Associated Press
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - A U.S. soldier was sentenced to 100 years in prison Thursday for the gang rape and murder of an Iraqi girl and the killing of her family last year.
Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, of Barstow, Calif., was also given a dishonorable discharge. He will be eligible for parole in 10 years under the terms of the plea agreement.
The military judge hearing the case, Col. Stephen R. Henley, issued a sentence of life in prison without parole, the maximum for the charges. Under military law, the defendant is given the lesser sentence unless he violates terms of the plea agreement.
Earlier Thursday, tears rolled down Cortez's face as he apologized for the rape and murders. He said he could not explain why he took part.
OK...sentenced to 100 years, but can be paroled in 10..doesn't make sense to me and frankly I think it sucks pond scum. Bear in mind that some folks are still in GITMO after 5 years without charges and in subhuman conditions..great justice there military..simply fucking great. The Psych officer "testified about the mental hardships of war during the sentencing hearing.
Five soldiers who served with Cortez in Iraq said that conditions were harsh and that soldiers lacked running water at times and suffered from sleep deprivation. They said Cortez's actions were out of character." When is raping and killing an entire family 'in character"?
Bring it On and The Blue Republic
