A Marine Corps sniper caught on video urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban militants while serving a tour in Afghanistan pleaded guilty at his court-martial hearing and was reduced in rank.
A spokesman for the Corps said Robert W. Richards was tried Wednesday at Camp Lejeune and demoted from sergeant to corporal, CBS News reported. Sgt. Richards had faced numerous charges, including dereliction of duty and disobeying orders.
The July 2011 video of four Marines in full-combat gear participating in the actual act grabbed the attention of the world. One Marine was heard joking “have a good day, buddy,” as he looked at the bodies, CBS reported.
A total of eight Marines have been punished for the incident.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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