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Deliberations to begin in Afghan trial
Updated: Tuesday, 08 Mar 2011, 7:04 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 08 Mar 2011, 12:08 PM EST
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Prosecutors and defense attorneys finished making their closing arguments Tuesday in the retrial of two former Blackwater contractors charged with murder in the deaths of two unarmed Afghan civilians.
Justin H. Cannon of Corpus Christi, Texas and Christopher Drotleff of Virginia Beach face federal murder, assault and weapons charges that could send them to prison for life. Prosecutors contend the men shot at a vehicle in Kabul in May, 2009, out of frustration and anger. Defense attorneys maintained on Tuesday that they shot in self defense.
The September trial of Drotleff and Cannon ended with a hung jury.
There was lots of arguing in the courtroom Tuesday morning, not about the facts of the case, but rather about how the jury should be instructed prior to closing arguments.
If you remember, last week we reported the prosecution wanted to add a manslaughter charge, making it potentially easier to convict Justin Cannon and Christopher Drotleff. Both are already facing murder, weapons and assault charges.
It looks as if now, the prosecution has made it's case to the judge to add that charge.
Judge Robert Doumar is scheduled to read the jury their instructions for deliberations on Wednesday.
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