Major Hasan’s Article 32 pushed back to 4 October
At today’s Article 32 investigation in the case of Major Nidal Hasan, the investigating officer — Colonel James Pohl — granted a defense request to delay the investigation until 4 October, though a procedural session will be held in the interim on 19 July. Here, via the Army Times‘ web site, is an AP report on today’s proceedings.
USA Today reports that “Hasan, who is paralyzed from the chest down after being shot by police at the scene of the shooting spree, sat in a wheelchair.”
paralyzed from the chest down.
….which will significantly damage the “I wasn’t even there” defense.
I can’t think of a better case for LWOP.
Especially at the DB!
What about capital? I’m a DP opponent, but some cases just scream out for it.
Yes, LWOP is enticing. But, if your goal is pure retribution, you would want LWOP served on death row for long as possible, where the conditions are most stark.
I had to relook at RCM 1001(g) to be sure, but punishing someone for retributive purposes can be argued on sentencing.
Although, lest anyone take me too seriously, I should have mentioned, putting someone on death row for a reason other than them deserving to die, is probably not a good idea.
Is there a single potential panel member in the Army that hasn’t heard about this guy and doesn’t already think he’s guilty? If it’s a capital case, he can’t go judge alone, and I can’t conceive a military panel finding him not guilty (particularly if drawn from Fort Hood). The defense has a long road to hoe in this case…
Looks like his best chance is to have an attorney so ineffective that his death sentence gets overturned on appeal……..