Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Death to Hasan – jurors find no mitigation



Ft. Hood – At 5 minutes until two p.m., the president of the General Court Martial handed the bailiff the sentence, the judge read it, and then the Colonel who presided over the jury as the most senior officer began to read aloud:

“Major Nidal Malik Hasan, we have unanimously found the following aggravating factors...,” and read the names of the 12 additional victims of his deadly Nov. 5, 2009 onslaught who fell victim after Michael Pearson lay on a desk and breathed his last.

“...It is my duty to inform you...this court martial finds no extenuating or mitigating circumstances outweigh the aggravating factors.”

Their recommendation is that he “forfeit all pay and allowances, be dismissed from the service of the U.S. Army, and be put to death.”

With that, at 2 p.m. sharp, Judge (Col.) Tara Osborn thanked the 13 members of the General Court Martial and told them “If anyone tries to talk to you, you may tell them, I don't have to talk to you.”

She told them they may now return to their homes, or to the places of duty.

Maj. Hasan sat in stoic silence, staring straight ahead, according to observers who were present in the courtroom.

The Court Martial was adjourned at 14:05.

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