5 Troops Killed Update3: Victims

UPDATE 2B:

Officials Identify Soldier Charged in Camp Victory Slayings American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 12, 2009 – Military officials in Baghdad today identified a soldier who has been charged with shooting and killing five of his comrades yesterday at a combat stress center at Camp Liberty, Iraq. Army Sgt. John M. Russell, 44, of Sherman, Texas, is being held in military police custody at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, and has been charged with five specifications of murder and one of aggravated assault, Army Maj. Hunter Holliday, a military spokesman in Baghdad, said. Russell is assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 54th Engineer Battalion, based in Bamberg, Germany. Holliday said the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command is investigating the incident, and that a separate investigation is looking at the overall behavioral health services being offered in Iraq.

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UPDATE 1: WASHINGTON, May 11, 2009 – An American soldier suspected in involvement in the shooting deaths of five U.S. servicemembers today in Baghdad is in U.S. custody, defense officials said.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time at the U.S. military base Camp Liberty in the Iraqi capital. Defense officials characterized the killings as an unexpected tragedy. Defense Link By John J. Kruzel

Apparently one service member began shooting his fellow warriors.  The perpetuator was killed by an as yet unknown. It appears at least two others are wounded in this incident.

Five dead in shooting

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO - CAMP LIBERTY, BAGHDAD – Five U.S. service members were killed in a shooting at Camp Liberty in Baghdad today at approximately 2 p.m.

A U.S. Soldier suspected of being involved with the shootings is currently in custody.

“Any time we lose one of our own, it affects us all,” said Col. John Robinson Multi-National Corps – Iraq spokesperson. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all the service members involved in this terrible tragedy.”

The names of the deceased are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification and release by the Department of Defense.

The incident is under investigation and more information will be released when it becomes available. Multi National Forces - Iraq

((It may take a day or two to sort out the details.))

UPDATE 2: Victims Identified:

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

 

CORRECTION

  

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 

Commander Charles K. Springle, 52, of Wilmington, N.C., died May 11 from injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident at Camp Liberty, Iraq. 

 

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

 

UPDATE 3: DoD Identifies Army Casualties

 

                The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 11 in Camp Liberty, Baghdad of wounds suffered in a non-combat related incident.

 

                The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

 

                Killed were:

 

                Maj. Matthew P. Houseal, 54, of Amarillo, Texas. He was assigned to the 55^th Medical Company, Indianapolis, Ind.;

 

                Sgt. Christian E. Bueno-Galdos, 25, of Paterson, N.J. He was assigned to the 3^rd Battalion, 66^th Armor Regiment, 172^nd Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany;

 

                Spc. Jacob D. Barton, 20, of Lenox, Mo. He was assigned to the 277^th Engineer Company, 420^th Engineer Brigade, Waco, Texas; and

 

                Pfc. Michael E. Yates Jr., 19, of Federalsburg, Md. He was assigned to the 3^rd Battalion, 66^th Armor Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany.

  

Rest in Peace.  You have fought the good fight.  It is our battle now.