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March 24, 2011

U.S. Soldier Sentenced to 24 Years for Afghan Killings 
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A U.S. Army soldier has been sentenced to 24 years in prison with an
earlier possibility of parole after pleading guilty to murdering three
Afghan civilians. Jeremy Morlock is one of 12 alleged members of a
secret "kill team" that murdered unarmed Afghan civilians at random and
collected body parts, such as fingers, for trophies. Morlock entered a
guilty plea Wednesday under a deal with prosecutors that will see him
testify against other accused soldiers. Morlock will be eligible for
release after seven years under the terms of the plea bargain. Leaked
photos published this week show Morlock grinning as he poses with the
bloodied and partially naked corpse of one of his victims. Prosecutors
say Morlock acted as the right-hand man to accused ringleader, Army
Staff Sergeant Calvin Gibbs.



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